Police Emergency Communications Officer

Job Summary

Fast paced, highly technical work involving automated systems in the receipt, transmission and dispatch of emergency calls, information and messages and the dispatch of school police personnel and equipment. Work is learned through extensive training that consists of several phases of classroom and on-the-job training. Communicates with the public and First Responders and determines the effective course of action; adjusts quickly to changing situations while assessing time and sensitive information;

performs several tasks at the same time and assigns appropriate priorities, signals, and codes to incoming calls for services while monitoring multiple radio frequencies, answering telephone calls, and viewing multiple computer/camera screens. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Maintains frequent contact with the public, police and emergency service providers, and occasional contact with other federal, state, and local government agencies.

This entrance level class lies below that of Police Emergency Communications Supervisor.

Probation: One (1) year

Open Requirements: A one (1) year combination of education, training, and experience in a multi-task environment communicating directly with the general public, which includes prioritization of tasks, and quick decision making, preferably in a law enforcement work environment. Florida/National Crime Information Certification (FCIC/NCIC) and State of Florida Certification as a 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator are preferred. Requires the ability to work overtime with little or no notice, shift work, weekends, holidays, evenings, and nights.

Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Promotional Requirements: NA

Licensing: NA

• Strong word processing, spreadsheet, and database skills
• Knowledge of school police communications center operating procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of the DCPS school locations
• Strong police emergency communications radio equipment operating skills
• Strong two-way radio console (with headset) operating skills
• Strong interpersonal skills in diplomacy, tact, and/or discretion
• Strong computerized security and fire alarm systems monitoring and operating skills
• Strong multi-tasking skills to simultaneously communicate, interpret communication, and enter data into a computer
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to comprehend and apply law enforcement and public safety operation procedures
• 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
• Ability to detect alarms by sight and sound
• Ability to identify security problems with the alarm systems and report such for service and repair in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Ability to instruct other school personnel in alarm system procedures
• Ability to prepare logs and reports and maintain accurate records
• Ability to utilize telephone equipment associated with computerized security and fire alarm systems
• Ability to maintain control of conversations under stressful situations and speak English rapidly, clearly and concisely
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in dispatching emergency calls and other requests under time constraints
• Ability to read computer screens for extended periods and to listen attentively under adverse conditions
• Ability to learn and recall signals, codes and computer commands
• Ability to comprehend data quickly, and make decisions quickly in accordance with procedures
• Ability to read, understand, and apply job-related…