Police Dispatcher

Job Overview

The Communications Operator (Police Dispatcher) is a skilled emergency service position that receives emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire and emergency medical service assistance, determines the nature and urgency of calls and initiates police or other emergency personnel action using a complex computer aided dispatch system. Maintains close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. The position requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to emotionally, disturbed and sometimes aggressive individuals in a variety of situations.

The Police Dispatcher is administratively assigned to the Administrative Services Bureau and operationally reports to the Shift Sergeant or the Officer-in-Charge. The Police Dispatcher is the primary link between the Police Officer and the citizens.

• Answers the 9-1-1 emergency phones. Receives, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
• Determines nature and location of emergency; prioritizes; dispatches emergency units as needed and in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains communication with assigned units.
• Operates a variety of communications equipment including the Computer-Aided-Dispatching system and LEADS computer.
• Answers Police business phones, assesses needs and directs assistance; receives and transmits messages.
• Telephonically assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from other Police agencies.
• Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes.
• Assists citizens, victims of crime, business representatives, other Police Agency representatives, local employees and officials, and employees from foreign city departments at the lobby window as the need arises.
• Maintains the order, efficiency, sanctity, uniformity and integrity of Police Communications Command Center.
• Monitors the Police building to ensure all of its doors, hallways, rooms, and jail remain secure.

• U.S. citizen;
• Valid State of Ohio driver's license;
• At least 18 years of age on the date of hire;
• High school diploma or GED certificate;
• Computer literacy, with accurate typing (keyboarding) of at least 30 wpm;
• Verifiable good character and ability to comply with the City's Substance Free Workplace requirements. Able to pass thorough background investigation;
• Must successfully complete L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems) training and maintain L.E.A.D.S. certification.
• Must successfully complete C.C.H. (Computerized Criminal History) training and maintain certification.
• Must successfully complete any certifications required by law;
• Must have taken and passed a Civil Service Communication Operator/ Dispatchers examination.

• Must acquire and maintain a working knowledge of Police contracts, rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and State and local laws and law enforcement terminology.
• General computer usage including Microsoft applications. Must successfully complete specialized computer courses and maintain efficiency for Police computer programs.

• Excellent organizational, public relations, decision-making, and communications skills.
• Multi-tasking.
• Observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately.
• Operating a variety of communications equipment effectively.
• Fluently reading, writing, speaking, understanding, and communicating in the English language.

• Ability to rapidly and accurately process calls and messages requiring the simultaneous coordination of…