Police Communications Operator

Position Information

Posting Number: SRGV
8866

Working Title:

POLICE COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR

Number of Vacancies: 3

Location:

Edinburg, Texas

Department:
University Police

FTE: 1.0

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

The primary function of a Police Telecommunicator is to receive and prioritize emergency 9-1-1 and non‑emergency telephone calls from the public. Enters information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, processes non‑emergency and routine requests for police and security services, dispatches appropriate emergency services such as police, fire and emergency medical services, monitors public safety units in the field, and retrieves computer data for emergency response personnel within the service area.

The Police Telecommunicator may provide alarm and closed‑circuit television monitoring services while performing multiple tasks concurrently in a fast‑paced environment, maintaining a professional and positive demeanor. Serves as a Campus Security Authority as defined by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and impacts law‑enforcement and security efforts of UTPD.

• Answers emergency and non‑emergency calls for service, records information, and requests for police/security services in a computerized database.
• Dispatches field personnel according to need and priority of the request for service.
• Transmits and receives radio calls from field units via two‑way radio and speaks concisely and distinctly.
• Coordinates and maintains effective communications between field units and neighboring law‑enforcement agencies.
• Uses a computer‑aided dispatch system to enter, research, and retrieve information.
• Monitors closed‑circuit television, security, fire, and radiological‑related alarm systems.
• React calmly, quickly and decisively in emergency situations to obtain, summarize and relay information both orally and in written form.
• Follows oral and written instructions.
• Handles multiple tasks and works under stressful conditions, activating emergency procedures for evacuations or similar emergencies.
• Operates specialized communication networking computer terminal to access confidential and restricted law‑enforcement information.
• Compiles information from different sources to develop a daily briefing or log to assist in the daily operations of the agency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisor:
Police Telecommunications.

None.

High school graduation or GED.

Associate’s degree or 30 credit hours in Criminal Justice or related field.

Basic Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator license or qualification to acquire a basic license.

One year experience in customer service or related field. Applicants may be required to complete a polygraph interview, a criminal background check, and an extensive drug use analysis.

One year experience in a public safety or emergency communications field.

Use of standard office equipment;
Police communications equipment; police radio net; computer‑aided dispatch (CAD); “911” emergency telephone system; security and fire computer system (STAEFA); and other associated computer equipment.

Work in an enclosed, secure communications environment. Requires rotating shift assignments on day, evening, and night with varying days off and on holidays. Subject to emergency recall during unusual occurrences and emergencies. UTRGV is a distributed institution, requiring presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Applicants must successfully complete a Public‑Safety Telecommunication (PST) pre‑employment test administered by the Police Department. Position is classified as security‑sensitive and subject to the provisions of Section 51.215, Texas Education Code. Requires research, work on, or access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code; maintaining the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification.

N/A