Communications Officer​/Police Dispatcher

Police Personnel

Department:
Safety & Security UP Chicago

Salary/Grade: NEX/16

PLEASE NOTE:

The salary for this position is $29.40 per hour.

Under the daily supervision of the shift supervisor and the general supervision of the Emergency Preparedness Manager, operate the computer‑aided dispatch and record management system (CAD‑RMS), radio, telephone communications system, LEADS/NCIC, personal computer, and monitor the computerized alarm system, CCTV as requested. Monitor emergency messages and send messages via several systems to inform campus community members of threats and dangerous conditions.

• Operate a 2‑way radio, telephone communications system, and LEADS personal computer, entering and receiving various information to and from LEADS, NCIC, and other agencies.
• Handle all communications requiring full knowledge of the procedures to be used to dispatch proper assistance, apparatus, and/or personnel.
• Monitor the University’s Central Alarm System, including fire, intrusion, panic, and hold‑up alarms, and dispatch accordingly.
• Through CAD‑RMS, maintain a record of incoming and outgoing calls for service and monitor the status of calls to ensure they are processed expediently.
• Receive and dispatch emergency (911) calls.
• Receive radio and telephone reports of criminal and non‑criminal activity and assign officers to respond accordingly.
• Monitor the locations and availability of police officers.
• Sort, compile, and maintain statistical records, including LEADS records.
• Utilize and monitor the CCTV system as directed to report to responding police personnel.
• Operate a number of other computerized and manual systems for monitoring possible emergency events and to provide warnings to community members of threatening incidents or hazardous conditions.
• Assist with Communications Officer training.

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience.

• Ability to read, write, spell, and speak English clearly and correctly.
• Knowledge of proper use and care of radio, telephone, personal computer, CCTV, alert systems, and computerized alarm monitoring systems.
• Ability to handle and prioritize events occurring simultaneously.
• Ability to use personal computers and enter data.
• Pass a typing skills test demonstrating an ability to proficiently type a minimum of 25 words per minute.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete a written pre‑employment exam to evaluate the ability to perform successfully in the position.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete a comprehensive pre‑employment psychological exam administered by a licensed psychologist, and a financial and criminal background investigation, including criminal history/fingerprint check and driving records check.
• Ability to successfully complete a field training program and a six‑month probationary period.
• Ability to successfully complete LEADS certification training and all other training required for the position.
• Ability to maintain communication records.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete reports and records containing pertinent facts in an organized manner.
• Mental alertness and ability to maintain emotional poise under stress.
• Ability to understand computer operations and applications.
• Ability to receive and carry out instructions from emergency responders.
• Ability to control telephone conversations to obtain accurate information and provide correct, understandable instructions to emergency responders.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with peers, supervisors, students, faculty, staff, local agencies, and the general public.

• College degree.
• Previous experience as a 911 dispatcher or public safety dispatcher.

• Knowledge of police and fire department operations.
• Ability to gather and disseminate information quickly in a precise manner.
• Knowledge of police procedures and operations.

Northwestern provides health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and…