Police Dispatchers; Test Date

SUMMARY:

This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in a communications center by telephone, radio, and other communications equipment and operation of accessory equipment.

Individuals are responsible for receiving incoming calls for emergency services and/or information, and promptly and efficiently dispatching personnel and equipment in response to emergency police, fire and other calls or providing requested information. An employee of this class must be knowledgeable of police and fire operations, and the geographical layout of the city. Although work is performed within established policies and procedures, it requires the exercise of sound judgment in emergency situations.

Supervision and assignments are received from a superior both orally and in writing. Work is reviewed by superiors through observation, monitoring of operations, and the review of records and reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all the specific duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties that may be performed)

• Operates telephone, radio, and other communications equipment on an assigned shift.
• Receives complaints and emergency calls which must be properly processed; obtains all essential information for handling emergencies; dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment to scenes of police and fire incidents, accidents, natural disasters, rescue operations, and other emergencies.
• Receives routine calls and visits and provides information as requested.
• Maintains radio contact with all police and fire units away from station; maintains status and current information on all units in and out of service.
• Monitors all alarms and dispatches units as needed.
• Maintains records of all emergencies and other dispatches; periodically makes routine announcements and relays messages via radio.
• Operates accessory equipment which includes teletype, typewriter, and computer keyboard.
• Takes and processes affidavits on crimes that were committed.
• Prepares and maintains warrants and warrants file, keeping proper documentation and accuracy of file.
• Receives payments of fines imposed by the Municipal Court.
• Prepares and issues receipts to individuals paying fines.
• Receives and processes legal documents and makes necessary entries in docket books and logs.
• Maintains an inventory of supplies at communications desk, requesting additional supplies when needed.
• Performs any other duties as directed by supervisor.

MINIMUM REQUIRED

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or acceptable equivalent and minimum age of twenty (20) years. Experience with radios or in a communications center is desirable but not a requirement.

CIVIL SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

For minimum qualifications established by the Mississippi Code, see Section 21-31-15.

REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

• Must maintain a valid Mississippi driver’s license.
• Must be bondable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of English, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved in the work and the proper safety precautions for the safe performance of the job.
• Ability to develop knowledge of the geography of the City of Moss Point and the location of streets and important buildings.
• Ability to quickly learn the operation of telephone, radio, and other communications equipment.
• Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, effectively, and efficiently in emergency situations.
• Ability to deal with the public in an effective and efficient manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to count, receive, and account for money, in cash and check form.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, on all days of the week.
• Basic knowledge in operating a typewriter and computer keyboard.
• Ability to react to change productively, and handle other tasks as assigned.
• Must have and maintain a valid Mississippi vehicle operator's license.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.