Police Communications Officer

Job Description

Under general supervision, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire and emergency services; identifies and dispatches appropriate police and security units, and gathers and relays critical information.

PRN, Shifts as needed

• Provide dispatch services for the Midland Health system; follows and complies with Midland County Hospital District Police Department (MCHD PD) policies and procedures to assure the safety of Police Officers, Security Officers, other hospital staff, and the public.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone, radio, and interoffice communications while processing calls for service.
• Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls; interview callers and gather details; prioritize calls for service and determine appropriate personnel to respond; dispatch responders; relay pertinent information to law enforcement and security officers in a concise, organized, and understandable manner; notify critical incidents to hospital personnel as required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in all modes of communication to protect the safety of the public and responders.
• Respond promptly to matters of public safety and responders.
• Provide information, instructions, and assistance to the public within scope of authority.
• Monitor all areas of the hospital campus always utilizing security camera systems and access control systems; identifying potential security and/or safety risks and report them to appropriate individual, department or entity, for proper resolution.
• Comprehend and apply state laws, municipal ordinances, organizational policies, and procedures.
• Provide dispatch services for Midland Memorial Hospital and Midland Health facilities; keep track of law enforcement and security resources, personnel, incidents, and trends.
• Operate multi‑channel public safety radio system, including interoperable communications with other agencies.
• Correctly process and record requests for police, fire, and medical services, utilizing direct entry into a computer‑aided dispatch system or by following manual call processing procedures.
• Provide detailed call information to officers as needed; maintain status and awareness of MCHD PD Officer locations; monitor message traffic and relay information to Officers.
• Perform inquiries and criminal history checks for Officers through National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS).
• Enter emergency assistance calls into the computer‑aided dispatch (CAD) incident logs; input law enforcement and criminal justice system information into the TLETS & NCIC computer system as directed; enter and process data for records, reports, forms, and files; maintain and update records, files, and system databases ensuring accuracy; query databases, collect statistical data and compile data for reports.
• Operate in low‑light conditions, discerning distinct colors used by a computer‑aided dispatch system, or other visual resources.
• Work in a confined area for 12+ hours and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems.
• Document all activity, location, and status in the computer‑aided dispatch system for public safety personnel; quickly and correctly disseminate any additional information.
• Monitor and identify activations of various alarm systems, following defined department protocols.
• Contact and communicate with other law enforcement agencies, jurisdictions, and emergency services agencies for additional information and resources as needed, and relay information regarding incidents.
• Receive and send information to and from other agencies and jurisdictions.
• Competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Attend/testify in all criminal and civil courts when summoned.
• Be available to work mandatory overtime as required due to manpower or other emergency situations.
• Attend training schools/seminars and other city related events, which may require travel (occasionally overnight).
• Act in the absence of…