Police Communications Operator I​/II

Overview

Job No: 530758

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Law Enforcement/Security, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department:  - UPD-ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

Classification

Title:

Police Communications Operator I/II

Job Description: The University of Florida Police Department invites applications for a vacant Police Communications Operator position. The employee in this position is in a probationary status and performs tasks in a trainee capacity. The employee does not work independently and is under the full-time supervision of a communications training officer. During this time the employee will learn to become proficient, and demonstrate that proficiency, in the following duties:

• Operate communications command center providing radio communication support to sworn and non-sworn department personnel.
• Maintain radio/telephone communication link between field officers and base station, supervisors, emergency services, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Receive and evaluate calls from the public requesting police assistance, of both emergency and non-emergency natures.
• Input and transmit call information using computer assisted dispatch system or manual card system.
• Refer callers to appropriate agencies or extensions.
• Contact appropriate parties to notify of complaints and/or actions required.
• Use computer assisted dispatch system to update and monitor law enforcement statuses, transmit requests for emergency services, and retrieve various data and records.
• Coordinate the dispatching of resources between two or more agencies.
• Perform a variety of records management duties including reviewing, entering, canceling and purging records.

This position is designated as an Essential Employee. Essential employees provide vital support to UF and are subject to recall to work when deemed necessary by the Chief of Police/designee. Recall to work typically happens due to emergency, disaster or special event that may coincide with the official suspension of classes and/or closing of offices.

Responsibilities and Proficiency: Receive instruction, become proficient and demonstrate proficiency in the following duties and responsibilities: operate the communications command center, maintain communications links, evaluate calls, input/transmit information, refer callers, update/monitor statuses, and retrieve data. Quickly recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names and license numbers; data is often presented simultaneously or in rapid succession.

Additional Responsibilities: Use various criminal justice and public safety computer systems to query and disseminate records (driver licenses, vehicle registrations, warrants, criminal histories, missing persons, FCIC/NCIC teletype), enter/modify records, compose/transmit messages, monitor Lenel OnGuard and Silent Knight alarms, verify information, prepare departmental logs/reports, and participate in occasional face-to-face training.

Special Event/Large Event Support: Provide support during large events (e.g., home football games) including pre/post-game communications and stadium assignments such as coverage for booking room, barricades, parking, and traffic direction. This requires sitting or standing for extended periods in varying weather conditions. Complete emergency notification messages for in-progress or dangerous situations.

Other Duties: Perform miscellaneous duties to address business needs and changes.

Testimony: Provide testimony and appear in judicial proceedings as witness in appropriate contexts.

High school diploma or equivalent and one year of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Public Safety Telecommunicator State Certification may substitute for an equivalent rate of experience. Must successfully pass typing test with 35 CWPM.

Education & Training:

• Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator (911 Emergency Dispatcher) state certification
• State certification on the NCIC/FCIC computer system

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of dealing with people in emergencies/crisis situations
• Knowledge of dispatch protocols, procedures, and techniques in public safety
• Knowledge of UF geography
• Knowledge of complex electronic and telecommunications equipment used in public safety

Skills:

• Proficient typing; strong customer service; situational awareness
• Strong active listening; call control; interviewing; verbal and written communication

Abilities:

• Ability to multi-task and make quick, correct decisions in high-stress emergencies
• Ability to communicate professionally with the public; maintain logs and reports
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic; plan, organize, and coordinate work
• Ability to memorize signals, codes, and rules

Physical

Qualifications:

• Normal vision (with or without correction) and normal hearing (with or without correction, and in background noise)
• Ability to work in an emergency dispatch center;…