Police Dispatcher

Job Summary

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Police Dispatcher position available in the Police Department.

• Receives calls for emergency assistance and other calls for service from the general public and other public agencies using a multiple-line telephone console. Applies time management, multi-tasking, quick decisions, consistent conflict resolution and the ability to work under pressure in an intense environment.
• Ask questions to interpret, analyze, and anticipate the caller's situation to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies. Determine and assign the appropriate call type and level of assistance needed, then enter requests for police assistance into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Appropriately transfer requests for fire and emergency medical services.
• Utilizes TTY as required. Assists citizens with non-emergency questions and problems. Uses city directory, records management system, and other resources to answer citizens' questions or refer them to the appropriate personnel.
• Dispatch police units to CAD calls for services and emergency scenes by computer, radio, and telephone. Identify the priority level and number of units to assign to calls for service. Maintain radio contact and track the status of all units.
• Conducts records checks on individuals, vehicles, licenses, weapons, etc., using various computer systems including NCIC and REJIS. Advise officers of hit responses and send messages to entering agency to validate the hit. Pull warrant records if a hit has been entered by Overland Park or court police officials. Update officers about information regarding hits.
• Enter, modify, and validate entries in criminal justice databases such as NCIC and REJIS. Research entry requests to ensure all information is included; analyze entry requests and interpret established guidelines and laws to ensure the entry meets all standards. Analyze and interpret hit confirmation requests from outside agencies to determine if an entry is still valid using various records management systems and files.
• Court preparation and testimony. Meet with prosecutors to clarify facts prior to trial; respond to questions from prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; review case reports and evidence prior to trial; understand and apply legal principles; comprehend laws and abstract concepts; organize facts and provide accurate testimony under stress; recall and review case details prior to testimony.
• Inspect all dispatch equipment and associated machinery to ensure proper working order.
• Coordinate retrieval of information from other public safety agencies. Retrieve information from electronic and hard-copy resources and relay to requester.
• Handle requests from field personnel for tows, ambulances, special equipment, public works, and other services. Contact outside agencies for assistance as required.
• Monitor various alarms such as City Hall, Westgate, Tomahawk Ridge, Matt Ross, and Justice Center. When an alarm sounds, locate and activate buttons to silence the alarm. Monitor external alarm systems and respond appropriately when an alarm is activated.
• Monitor severe weather conditions. Coordinate notification of severe weather reports to the National Weather Service. Record severe weather information into CAD and remain observant for updates. Update warnings and conditions via CAD or police radio systems as required. Monitor and activate storm sirens as needed. Notify the Chain of Command and other key personnel on weather conditions and follow-up police responses.
• Monitor closed-circuit television/building security cameras of city facilities.
• Navigate through computer programs including, but not limited to: NICHE Records Management System, Legacy Records Management Systems, JIMS, NCIC, REJIS, CLEAR, COPLINK, ELSAG, Everbridge, Portal One, Ener Gov, and WebEOC.
• Work the hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Be available to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and others as required to accomplish goals.
• Be punctual and timely in meeting performance requirements,…