Dispatcher, Government

Description

Under the general supervision of the Dispatch Supervisor, this position receives, evaluates, and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for service to appropriate personnel, as well as operates a radio system, computer-aided dispatch system, records management system, video cameras, technology tools used to increase officer and community safety, and enhanced 911 system for police, medical, and fire calls for service. In addition, the position handles general customer service inquiries from the public and external agencies.

Communications personnel also monitor prisoners who are detained in the city jail via audio and visual digital media equipment.

• Receives and answers inquiries from the public regarding risks to life and safety, violations of law, missing persons, and weather and road information;
• Transmits, receives, and relays official information using established agency communications equipment to agency officers and law enforcement agency officials;
• Gather information from callers, including the nature, severity, location, and status of emergencies;
• Receive requests for information and assistance and direct those requests to the proper source;
• Prioritize calls for service and dispatch those calls for service to available officers by radio;
• Maintain ongoing status and awareness of police personnel and police units;
• Provides intelligence information in support of local, state, and national security, to law enforcement officials and the public through criminal activity reports, criminal and traffic warrants, driver’s license and vehicle registration information, Amber alerts, criminal records, public assistance, and information on the status of persons apprehended;
• Maintains close contact with field units by communicating with agency employees; other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, emergency service providers, and the general public to obtain and disseminate information in a timely, accurate manner;
• Prepares and updates reports, memoranda, logs, and correspondence that accurately document law enforcement communications, using appropriate agency policies and procedures;
• Monitors technology tools used by law enforcement agencies such as mobile apps, license plate readers, push-to-zoom surveillance cameras, security cameras, and other items that support officer and community safety;
• Makes appropriate notifications to executive command staff on designated calls for service;
• Required to work irregular hours and long shifts as necessary;
• May interact with individuals with mental and emotional illnesses;
• May be exposed to traumatic situations and graphic material;
• Enter, update, maintain, and research information through local, state, and federal database systems (TCIC/NCIC) and provide information to the requesting officer;
• Monitor several Police, Fire, and City radios as required;
• Prepare and complete a variety of reports and forms regarding calls received and responses taken, arrests, warrants, prisoners, and criminal offenses;
• Accurately and promptly complete routine reports and forms related to arrests, warrants, prisoners, and criminal offenses for submittal;
• Provide general customer service to citizens who enter the station, call the department, or need other forms of assistance;
• Monitor, via camera system, prisoners detained in the jail;
• Have occasional contact with prisoners by preparing meals and performing laundry tasks;
• Work in a fast-paced environment, providing dispatching services to the cities of White Settlement, Westworth Village, Sansom Park, and Lakeside.

Please note that this job description is not intended to cover or provide a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may need to change to help drive our vision and fulfill our mission.

• Must type at least 30 words per minute, correctly. A typing test is required;
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to make appropriate decisions under stress;
• Knowledge of emergency communications systems, including radio, telephone,…