Public Safety Dispatcher

Overview

This position is responsible for processing all phone communications, incoming and outgoing, for the Police Department, processing various criminal justice records, data entry, and responding to requests for information from the public. This position receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls and messages for police, fire, and mutual aid agencies. Salary for this position is negotiable based on years of previous relevant experience.

• Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency requests for police/fire/ambulance assistance.
• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from incoming telephone and special services lines to determine the assistance required for the situation.
• Listens and communicates patiently and effectively to elicit necessary facts and information from callers.
• Obtains pertinent caller, witness, suspect, and crime information for current or future investigation of the incident and documents all information appropriately.
• Relays necessary information to the appropriate sources such as police officers, fire department field units, ambulance, mutual aid agencies, volunteers, local, county, state, or federal agencies.
• Provides appropriate pre-arrival instructions to the reporting person pertinent to the emergency. Pre-arrival emergency medical instructions are provided continuously to the caller until the arrival on scene by Fire/EMS providers.
• Monitors basic radio communication channels for police/fire/ambulance, DPW, local government, and relays information to the appropriate authority.
• Provides communications links between police/fire/ambulance response units and outside public service agencies.
• Dispatches, monitors, and maintains the location and status of Police, Fire, and EMS units using computer-aided dispatching in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Maintains appropriate and required records and documentation of all activities as required by statute and departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidential information related to ongoing and past criminal investigations or police department activities as needed.
• Makes frequent contacts with the public, other City departments, law firms, community groups, local, state, and federal government agencies.
• Performs other necessary tasks or functions as are necessary to accomplish Department goals and objectives.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year experience or training in radio or telephone communication.
• Pre-employment criminal background check and drug test required.

• Previous experience or training in radio or telephone communication, with general knowledge of law enforcement or fire science procedure preferred.
• Sufficient knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of radio, telephone, police, fire, and medical emergency alarm receiving equipment to allow for the proper use of these systems.
• Working knowledge of the operation and functions of the agency computer system, as well as the skills and abilities to operate this equipment under emergency conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize standard computer equipment and perform data entry using keyboarding skills.
• Knowledge of the street geography of South Burlington, as well as the ability to direct individuals to locations within the community, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop skill and speed in the operation of communications equipment and to demonstrate knowledge of public safety practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to receive, correlate, and accurately disseminate oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide detailed information/instructions to public safety personnel or citizens under stressful circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to develop communication skills that mitigate the effect of potentially rude, abusive, and uncooperative callers.
• Demonstrated emotional stability and the ability to work in a stressful, highly responsible environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in an emergency.
• Ability to analyze situations to include multiple tasks quickly and objectively, and determine the proper course of action and prioritization.