Police Dispatcher

Job Description

This is a fast-paced, highly technical work environment involving automated systems pertaining to law enforcement public safety communications. Work requires the ability to comprehend and apply law enforcement and public safety operation procedures, which is learned through extensive training that consists of several phases of classroom and on-the-job training. Communication with the public and First Responders require the ability to analyze situations and determine the effective course of action;

adjust quickly to changing situations while assessing time and sensitive information; perform several tasks at the same time and assign appropriate priorities, signals, and codes to incoming calls for services while monitoring multiple frequencies and viewing multiple computer/camera screens. Must have the ability to maintain an efficient and calm demeanor in handling adverse or stressful situations for an extended period of time in a high-volume public safety work environment.

Work requires sitting for prolonged periods of time wearing a headset, which restricts movement in the work area, and occasionally lifting objects weighing less than 50 lbs. Work is performed under general supervision where the dispatcher works under clearly defined procedures but has latitude to set priorities based on the events that are occurring at the time. Employees in this class work shifts to cover 24 hours per day, seven days per week operation and are subject to work overtime, being held over or called back to work for disasters, local emergencies, special events, OR minimum staffing requirements, etc.

Requires frequent contact with the public, police and emergency service providers, and occasional contact with other federal, state, and local government agencies. Some of these contacts may require considerable skill in diplomacy, tact, and/or discretion.

• Answers 9-1-1 calls from the public requesting police and emergency assistance.
• Processes calls for information purposes and non-emergency assistance.
• Dispatches police emergency calls in accordance with prescribed patterns and needs.
• Dispatches police personnel and/or equipment using a computerized radio system and computer-aided dispatch system requiring voice communication and data entry simultaneously.
• Obtains information from a very diverse group of callers who are oftentimes distraught or emotional for the purpose of processing requests for emergency assistance.
• Records emergency incident response information and maintains the status and state of Police emergency vehicles and equipment by use of computer-aided dispatch program and/or manually.
• Monitors and responds to voice communications on multiple radio frequencies.
• Queries, interprets, and maintains information in the FCIC/NCIC databases and operates a high-speed teletype system.
• Assists in the training of new employees, as necessary.
• Coordinates emergency service response with other public safety agencies and/or surrounding counties.
• Operates office equipment necessary in the performance of this job.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of techniques and procedures used in operating emergency communications equipment.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Standard Operating Procedures.
• Knowledge of the City of Jacksonville’s geography.
• Knowledge of applicable FCIC/NCIC system and guidelines.
• Skill in operating emergency communications radio equipment.
• Skill in empathetic listening techniques.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and stressful working conditions during heavy workload and emergency related calls.
• Ability to make oral and written reports.
• Ability to handle confrontations constructively.
• Ability to speak English rapidly, clearly, and concisely.
• Ability to maintain control of conversations under stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in dispatching emergency calls and other requests.
• Ability to dispatch and handle emergency calls on a continuous basis…