Police Dispatcher

Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance services; identifies and dispatches appropriate police units, gathers and relays critical information to law enforcement officers, documents calls and responses; complies with Police Department policies and procedures to assure the safety of officers, emergency services personnel, and the public.

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls by telephone or radio; projects positive support of the department and Borough organizations at all times.
• Prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond.
• Interviews callers and gathers details on complaints; relays pertinent information to officers and emergency services personnel; provides information and assistance to the public.
• Dispatches calls for service to available officers and emergency services personnel.
• Maintains status and awareness of Police patrol units and monitors alarms; tracks the location and activity of all officers on duty.
• Provides detailed call information to officers and emergency services personnel as needed; monitors message traffic and relays important information to officers.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through NCIC, and Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN).
• Types all emergency assistance calls into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) incident logs; inputs and updates information into the APSIN/NCIC computer system.
• Contacts other law enforcement agencies and emergency services personnel for additional information and resources as needed, and relays pertinent information regarding incidents.
• Notifies key Borough personnel on critical incidents.
• Participates in activities that promote the Department’s Community Oriented Policing philosophy; this includes, but is not limited to, allowing the department to take and use an employee’s photo and information for public relations and public service purposes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Police and Fire Departments’ standard policies, and Borough policies and procedures related to dispatching law enforcement officers and other emergency services.
• Knowledge of personal computers, law enforcement communications equipment, and related hardware and software.
• Knowledge of law enforcement patrol and emergency services procedures.
• Knowledge of Borough geographical area, road systems, and the locations of important buildings.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, in emergency and stressful situations.
• Skill in obtaining information from hostile or emotional citizens.
• Skill in communicating clearly and relaying details accurately.
• Ability to respond quickly in a noisy, fast paced environment as listening is an essential skill.

• High school graduate or G.E.D. or a combination of 12 years of education and related work experience.
• One year of computer work experience.
• Must obtain CPR, Basic First Aid, and APSIN certification within 60 days of hire and maintain as required.
• Must obtain Basic Telecommunicator Course certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to type 45 words per minute.
• Ability to pass a thorough personal-history investigation of the person to determine character traits and habits indicative of moral character.