Communication Officer

Job Description

PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

Responsible for coordinating and facilitating police response in order to maintain a safe learning and work environment.

Education / Certification:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Texas Telecommunications Operator training as approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and Education (TC OLE) (preferred, required within one year of employment)
• TLETS, NLETS, TCIC, and NCIC (preferred, required within one year of employment)

Special Knowledge /

Skills:

• Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Must not be on probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class ‘C’ Misdemeanor and must not ever have been convicted of a felony offense in any state
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation
• Must possess the necessary skills to operate communications and computer equipment
• Must be able to communicate effectively using telephone and two-way equipment
• Must have a clear and understandable voice
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required)
• Knowledge of telecommunications systems, alarm system monitoring equipment, and closed‑circuit video equipment, preferred

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience as a police dispatcher or other emergency services dispatcher (preferred)
• Two (2) years of experience as a Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (TLETS) operator (preferred)

244

Pay Structure:
Pay Grade 1

Pay Date:
Monthly

Hourly Pay Range:
Minimum $18.00 – Maximum $24.86

Note:

Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

• Answer telephone inquiries and assistance requests in a courteous and professional manner.
• Disseminate and receive information to and from police officers in the field and other MISD personnel and monitor all traffic on the radio net.
• Monitor and interpret incoming information from the alarm computer system and take appropriate action on fire, intrusion, and emergency signals transmitted from the monitored sites.
• Maintain and submit all required logs and reports in a neat, legible, and timely manner.
• Maintain all required records.
• Monitor the closed circuit video system and take appropriate action when suspicious or emergency activities are observed.
• Assume responsibility for the issuance of radios, keys, flashlights, and related equipment in the Dispatch Office and ensure that necessary issuance logs are properly filled out in a timely manner.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

Telephones, computers, two-way radio, teletype, closed circuit television system, and standard office equipment.

• Mental Demands: Reading; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) in English; maintain emotional stress under control; exhibit rapid mental decision making ability to effectively handle disturbances or distractions.
• Physical Demands / Environmental Factors: Ability to stand, prolonged sitting, lift up to 20 pounds; rotating shifts; work alone and irregular hours including weekends and holidays. Specific vision abilities 20/20 (corrected) include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus (for appropriate computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) officer purposes).