Communications Officer

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Under general supervision, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, firefighting, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems and crime information databases; and performs related work as required.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions; analyzes conflicting and/or limited location information in order to direct first responders to the emergency scene; projects positive support of the City organizations at all times.
• Interviews callers and analyzes details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches calls for service; relays pertinent information to first responders in a concise manner; provides information and assistance to the public within scope of authority.
• Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters; maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units; continuously monitors radio and phone traffic and relays updated vital information to first responders.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through TCIC & NCIC; initiates inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information.
• Enters data for records and reports; processes forms and record files; queries various specialized databases as required.
• Notifies supervisory personnel on critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures to assure that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority.
• Maintains confidentiality as proscribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives.
• Search prisoners at the request of the arresting officer; monitor jail operations; maintain and update jail log; coordinate inmate packets; deliver meals, medication, and sanitary supplies to inmates; wash jail laundry as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No direct supervision exercised.

Qualifications:

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• High school graduation or equivalent
• Completion of TCOLE Telecommunicator License Course.
• Special Requirements:
  Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and a CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months.

Candidate preferred qualifications: Candidates with communication experience and/or current TCOLE Telecommunicators License are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Equipment utilized in law enforcement communications including radio, computer, and dispatch equipment.
• National Incident Management and the Incident Command System.
• Law enforcement patrol procedures.
• City geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks.
• Police and Fire Departments’ standard dispatch policies and procedures.
• Basic laws and regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement agency records.
• Law enforcement and fire agency reports and records including retention and confidentiality requirements.