Public Safety Telecommunicator

Job Summary

You can be the FIRST, first responder when someone calls for help on potentially the worst day of their life. This job requires the ability to think fast; your split‑second decisions make a difference. Our police, fire and medical professionals rely on you to provide the essential information they need when responding to emergency calls. At the same time, you will be the calmness and reassurance the caller is depending on during their most stressful, heartbreaking, painful, chaotic, or traumatizing moment.

You will also hear the relief in the callers’ voice when help arrives, smile when you hear the fire department was able to pull a puppy to safety from a water drain in the street, and breathe your own sigh of relief when the first responders you sent are able to prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy. This job is stressful, but it will push you to reach your greatest potential as you strive to serve the members of our community.

• Provide communication support to Sheriff's deputies and law enforcement agencies operating within the county, including running computer checks, confirming inquiries, making work‑related phone calls, arranging for tow trucks, and arranging support from other civilian agencies.
• Monitor multiple computer screens while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information.
• Provide callers with appropriate advice or referral, or initiate police, fire and/or emergency medical (EMS) services.
• Enter CAD/ICR information and dispatch to the appropriate responders.
• Access and operate multiple federal, state and local database systems (NCIC, MNCIS, others) to query, enter, modify, clear and cancel information as requested.
• Perform routine record checks as necessary.
• Provide "hit" confirmation to law enforcement officers on warrant checks.
• Maintain missing person files, stolen/wanted vehicle files, identity theft files, and lost/found article files.
• Maintain restraining order, harassment order, and other civil files; provide information when appropriate and make service entries into the computer once notification of service has been received.
• Run criminal history checks for authorized personnel and agencies.
• Perform weekly pager tests for the fire departments and monthly call‑out tests for Sheriff ERU and Mobile Field Force units.
• Provide school radio tests on a weekly basis when school is in session.
• Comprehend and adhere to data practices laws and policies; provide information to the public when applicable or refer them to appropriate personnel for further assistance.
• Activate and deactivate all civil defense sirens when directed to do so.
• Activate the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office Emergency Operations Center in the event of a major emergency and coordinate with all emergency service personnel and agencies until such activation is complete.
• Arrange for emergency repairs of all essential equipment in the dispatch center, including the computer system, phone system, radio console, and other essential equipment.
• Maintain accurate records on each request for assistance.
• Type messages and requests to other agencies for information; receive and respond to messages from other agencies via teletype.
• Testify in court as necessary.
• Monitor all assigned radio channels.
• Manage the large and expanding public safety radio system with law enforcement personnel, fire departments, ambulances, civil defense, and other emergency service agencies.
• Perform other duties as directed.
• Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance according to the department’s work schedule.

• Ability to use a computerized map and quickly learn the county geographic layout, emergency service area, and highway systems.
• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations/guidelines relating to the operation of public safety radio systems.
• Ability to operate multiple telephones, radios, and computer terminals simultaneously while remaining calm and decisive when dealing with emergency calls.
• Ability to remain professional despite callers being in distress, angry, overwhelmed, or…