Public Safety Dispatcher

This is a non-exempt position which requires telecommunications work in the operation of a radio system for the direction of and communication with police and fire units for the Police Department.

Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Operates a multi-line telephone and determines the nature of both 911 and non-emergency calls.

Oversees the receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching of 911 and non-emergency telephone calls through police and fire communications system.

Manages the reception and transmission of information by telephone, radio, and computer in a variety of related duties.

Determines the nature and priority of calls, unit availability, and the number of units necessary for initial response.

Dispatches police and fire vehicles/personnel to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance.

Determines appropriate apparatus needed to be dispatched for each call.

Monitors radio frequencies and maintains open contact with officers in order to provide administrative support as needed.

Alerts various other agencies (hospitals, air rescue, etc.) as needed regarding the status of emergency transport.

Monitors department building security and jails via cameras.

Enters critical information into the Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) systems for the dissemination of information on vehicle registrations, wanted persons, warrants, endangered runaways, probation/parole, early inmate releases, violent offenders, sexual offenders, predators, terrorists, and protection or restraining orders.

Researches the status of guns, vehicles, parts, boats and other items to determine if stolen and notifies the appropriate agency of the results of research.

Calls for tow trucks and requests specialty unit and outside agency back up as needed.

Identifies emergency or potential crisis situations and adjusts dialogue or activities accordingly and attempts to calm frantic or fearful callers.

Notifies appropriate authorities of missing children information.

Notifies hospitals and emergency medical staff of incoming patient information.

Operates teletype machine to access National and Florida crime information centers pursuant to State standards.

Enters information from callers into Computer-Assisted Dispatch system (CAD) and/or prepares complaint cards.

Prepares comprehensive reports and maintains accurate records.

Performs related work as required and as directed.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; supplemented by a minimum of 3 years of experience in public safety dispatch; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses and

Certifications:

Valid State of Florida driver’s license.

Department of Health 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification.