Telecommunications Officer - Dispatch

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The Telecommunications Officer is an office-based public safety position responsible for operating the Police Department's telecommunications and dispatch systems and serving as a critical link between the public, police officers, fire and EMS personnel, public works crews, and other emergency response agencies.

This position requires constant contact with the public and requires tact, professionalism, courtesy, resourcefulness, and mature judgment when handling stressful, sensitive, and emergency situations. The Telecommunications Officer must be able to quickly obtain accurate information, prioritize calls, dispatch appropriate personnel, maintain communication with field personnel, and accurately document all activity.

• Operates the Police Department's telecommunications system, including multiple radio channels, telephone lines, emergency service radios, teletype systems, and other communications equipment.
• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, EMS, public works, and other services.
• Obtains accurate information from callers and dispatches the appropriate personnel or emergency resources.
• Dispatches police officers and maintains communication with officers throughout calls for service to promote their safety and welfare.
• Receives, logs, prioritizes, and distributes incoming messages and requests for service.
• Monitors alarm systems and responds appropriately to alarm notifications.
• Receives and processes information through applicable DPS, TLETS, TCIC, and NCIC systems.
• Conducts authorized searches of criminal justice information systems and retrieves information for the Police Department and other authorized law enforcement agencies.
• Enters and maintains appropriate information in TCIC/NCIC and other applicable databases in accordance with state and federal requirements.
• Enters calls for service, incident information, and reports into the Department's CAD/RMS system.
• Maintains accurate daily radio traffic logs and other required telecommunications records.
• Tests and monitors Lifeline or similar emergency notification systems and determines the appropriate first responders to contact when an emergency activation occurs.
• Answers after-hours City office calls and responds to utility emergencies, reconnect requests, and other City-related calls as required.
• Creates work orders and dispatches Public Works personnel for after-hours utility emergencies and other applicable requests.
• Provides assistance and information to other law enforcement and emergency service agencies as requested.
• Communicates effectively with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and other emergency response personnel.
• Responds professionally to inquiries from members of the public, particularly during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other periods when City offices are closed.
• Collects and documents fines, bonds, utility payments, and miscellaneous fees as assigned.
• Maintains appropriate records and documentation for payments received.
• Provides backup data entry and administrative support for special projects.
• Reports telecommunications equipment failures, system outages, and TLETS/DPS network downtime as required.
• Maintains confidentiality of criminal justice information and other sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or Telecommunications Supervisor.

• Knowledge of telecommunications and emergency dispatch procedures.
• Ability to operate multi-line telephone systems, police and emergency service radio systems, computers, CAD/RMS systems, and related software.
• Ability to quickly obtain, interpret, prioritize, and accurately communicate information.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and focused during stressful or emergency situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the public, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, public works employees, and other governmental and emergency service agencies.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, reports, and database entries.
• Basic typing, filing, data entry, and computer skills.
• Ability to follow established policies, procedures, regulations, and instructions.
• Ability to use maps, ordinances, regulations, technical manuals, computer systems, and other reference materials to obtain information needed to resolve problems and answer questions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle…