Communications Officer

POSITION DESCRIPTION COUNTY OF OWEN, INDIANA

POSITION: Communications Officer

DEPARTMENT: Communications Center

WORK SCHEDULE: As assigned

JOB CATEGORY: POLE (Protective Occupations, Law Enforcement)

DATE WRITTEN: November 3, 2024

DATE REVISED: November 12, 2024

STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Owen County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as Communications Officer for the Owen County Communications Center, responsible for processing all emergency and non-emergency calls, providing assistance, and managing IDACS/NCIC information.

• Receives, prioritizes, and processes all emergency-related and 9-1-1 calls, gathering maximum amount of information in minimum amount of time, determining appropriate response, providing assistance, and dispatching Police, Fire, EMS, special teams and/or other local emergency personnel, accordingly, including monitoring and tracking current status of all police, fire, EMS, command and response personnel.
• Receives and processes calls for non-emergency services, utilities, and directs emergency alarm systems, including monitoring and processing automated alarm systems and activating alarm or fire systems in an emergency.
• Receives incoming non-emergency, information-related internal calls, determines nature of call and responds to inquiries, routes caller to appropriate individual/department and/or forwards calls to voicemail.
• Verifies, maintains, and retrieves IDACS/NCIC information for County and other law enforcement agencies, including receiving and transmitting computer teletypes, criminal histories, warrant information, license plate and gun checks, stolen property, and other related information; sending hit confirmations; and updating warrants served.
• Disseminates police information to patrol units, informs Department official and emergency personnel of major incidents, and exchanges information about current wanted subjects.
• Maintains records of incidents, logs calls, and records information from radio broadcasts. Maintains knowledge of criminal activity in the area, including verifying active warrants.
• Notifies appropriate official of impending emergencies, such as weather or road/school closings.
• Assists with Communications Center security, including answering intercom system, assisting visitors, monitoring closed circuit television system, and operating facility doors.
• Maintains communication equipment and phone, intercom, and closed-circuit television systems. Gives testimony and presents evidence in legal proceedings.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to complete 40-hour basic Telecommunicator course, EMD with T-CPR, Police, and Fire Protocol courses, NIMS IS-100, IS-200, and IS-700 courses, and IDACS/NCIC certification within one year of hire. Must maintain at least the State of Indiana’s prevailing requirement of continuing education credits per year.
• Ability to meet all hiring requirements, including passage of a drug test.
• Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of local, state, and federal laws, codes, ordinances, and accepted law enforcement procedures.
• Working knowledge of standard practices, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Department and ability to follow Department policies, directives, and general orders.
• Working knowledge of proper procedures for receiving calls and dispatch of emergency and non-emergency personnel respond quickly and calmly during stressful situations, making immediate decisions.
• Working knowledge of radio frequencies, codes, procedures, and limitations with ability to speak clearly and distinctly and hear and be heard and understood in person, by radio, and by telephone.
• Working knowledge of community geography and police jurisdiction/boundaries.
• Working knowledge of current training programs and assists with training new department personnel.
• Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and ability to prepare/complete all required reports within department deadlines.
• Ability to properly operate and maintain all assigned equipment and uniforms, including computers, calculators, radios, phone systems, intercom systems, emergency sirens, security door systems, fax machines, copiers, cameras, video surveillance equipment, and other equipment as needed.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and the public including being sensitive to…