Telecommunications Officer; TCO Police Department​/Child Safety

Telecommunications Officer (TCO) @ Police Department/Child Safety

Location:

Houston, Texas

Primary

Purpose:

Possess a thorough understanding of police practices and procedures, both general and technical, in order to contribute to the efficient operation and safety of the police officers and the public.

• Education/Certification:
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Qualify for and obtain Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, or Masters Telecommunications Proficiency Certificate from TCOLE within twelve months
  • Able to pass a background check and psychological exam prior to receiving license
  • Able to be certified through TLETS II Basic-Telecommunications
  • Clearance from JIMM/SETCIC Harris County centralized records source
  • Earn certification issued by TCIC/NCIC
• Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Able to communicate effectively with police officers, district staff, and community
  • Able to write short reports and keep accurate records
  • Willing to work shift work including weekends and holidays
  • Able and willing to follow instructions
  • Able to stay calm in stressful situations
• Experience:
  • Three (3) to Five (5) years’ experience in student safety
  • CAD knowledge and basic computer skills required

• Maintain continuous radio contact with police and security officers and update CAD accordingly. Dispatch police personnel for intrusion or trespass, fire alarms, and emergency situations.
• Interpret and code data for transmission, transmit radio messages to field units, and dispatch police and security personnel and equipment.
• Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, departments, outside agencies, and to all others requiring notification.
• Calm distressed citizens on the phone; evaluate, prioritize and sequence incoming information and determine units to send to an emergency.
• Notify other departments of needed support services pursuant to established procedures or instructions of supervisors.
• Monitor district/campus activity using video surveillance equipment and alarm systems to detect emergencies situations.
• Monitor computerized 9-1-1 system and emergency elevator phone lines.
• Identify and respond to developing situations alerting appropriate district staff, authorities, and emergency personnel according to established procedures.
• Coordinate with other enforcement agencies or departments to obtain additional help as needed.
• Notify maintenance personnel of after-hours systems alarms.
• Monitor the alarm system, public safety radio system, incoming phone calls, and campus radio system.
• Provide 24-hour answering service for the district.
• Run criminal checks for officer safety when required through TCIC/NCIC.

• Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages in accordance with district standards and federal, state, and local requirements.
• Input data into “Law Enforcement Automated Data Retrieval System” program.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.

• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Make instantaneous judgment calls with accuracy and preciseness.
• Maintain 40 hours of continuing education to meet the standards set forth by TCOLE on a yearly basis.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Maintain an appropriate level of technology competence to meet the current and future needs of Alief.
• Implement alternative methods of instruction as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of Manual Trades – Security Personnel.

Tools/Equipment Used: District vehicle, radio and telecommunication equipment or…