Communications Officer

Full-time Communications Officer I

This entry-level position is responsible for receiving calls for assistance from the public and dispatching the appropriate emergency and non-emergency personnel. This includes all department communications activities such as fixed and mobile radio operations, teletype, telephones, and communications between the Police Department and other related agencies.

• Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio communications traffic for emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Receives and screens all incoming telephone calls from the public and other public safety agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls.
• Assists the public by providing directions and information via Civic Ready and the Tornado Siren System.
• Dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations.
• Monitors cameras throughout the city, within City Hall and the Police Department; makes notifications as needed.
• Monitors city parks via cameras/emergency callbox phones; dispatches emergency personnel as needed.
• Assists the public by providing directions and information.
• Participates in coordinating emergency responses and assistance from external agencies.
• Maintains a continuous log of incoming radio calls.
• Monitors and routes incoming messages from national and state computer networks; enters and removes information as requested into NCIC and GCIC networks, including warrants, missing persons and stolen property; validates information as required.
• Assists officers on duty by using the GCIC and NCIC computers to run criminal and license histories and relaying messages.
• Testifies in court, as needed.
• Enters information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), such as calls for service from citizens and officer‑initiated communications.
• Monitors, operates and manages complex communications and computer equipment.
• May perform miscellaneous duties such as entering data from police reports to computer and gathering information for officers.
• Assists with the bonding process as needed.
• Maintains daily contact with senior citizens in the Senior Watch Program and dispatches officers as needed.
• Monitors and conducts daily tests of communication equipment for optimal performance; reports any malfunctions and schedules repair or maintenance.
• Attends all required departmental training annually.

• High School education or GED.
• One to two years of experience in a customer service or telecommunications position.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Ability to obtain GCIC/NCIC certification within 6 months of appointment.
• Ability to complete the Georgia P.O.S.T. Basic Communications Certification course within 6 months of appointment.
• Telephone CPR certification.

This position may require 24‑hour on‑call assignment, overtime, or working weekends, holidays, 8‑hour, 10‑hour, 12‑hour, and/or rotating shifts.

Job has recurring work situations involving high degrees of discretion. The need for accuracy and effective utilization of accepted programs and routines is high. Errors in judgment will waste resources and adversely impact performance. Incumbent operates independently but work is verified. Content of work priorities are determined by supervision.

Contacts are typically with co‑workers, other city employees, representatives of other public safety agencies, representatives of service and support agencies, and the general public. Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate personnel, resolve problems and provide services.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to learn the procedures of state and national crime information centers.
• Ability to learn and apply processes and procedures for the Court.
• Knowledge of the geography and street system of…