Minimum Salary: $43,056/Days: 207
Primary Purpose:
Performs under the direct supervision of the Chief of Police or designee, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches needed services or directs call to appropriate individuals.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- High school diploma or GED
- Must obtain Texas Law Enforcement Dispatch Certification within six (6) months from date of employment. Preference may be given to applicants with current certifications
- Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch, TCIC/NCIC, Positron 9-1-1 equipment, and TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) certifications
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening, and pass background investigation and MVR check
- Valid State of Texas Driver’s License
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of police emergency response practices and procedures.
Knowledge of TCIC/NCIC and TLETS/NLETS rules, regulations, and requirements.
Knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for responding to and dispatching emergency services utilizing computer aided dispatch system.
Knowledge of computers and related equipment, hardware and software for researching, retrieving, and maintaining a variety of informational and tracking databases.
Effective oral and written communication skills
Ability to respond effectively and appropriately to emergency calls for assistance
Ability to access and maintain multiple police databases simultaneously
Ability to resolve customer complaints and concerns
Skill in EMD procedures
Experience:
Prior communications/dispatch experience within a public safety organization, preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Dispatcher
1. Answers emergency and non-emergency telephone lines at the Police Station.
2. Gathers information from callers including nature, severity, location, and status of emergencies.
3. Assesses need for response and dispatches services accordingly.
4. Assists Police Officers and Fire/EMS Personnel by relaying information regarding calls for service.
5. Documents and corrects 911 location premise errors in CAD (Computer Assisted Dispatch).
6. Notifies appropriate entities related to problems or complaints under their jurisdiction.
7. Enters, maintains, updates and researches information into TCIC/NCIC (Texas Criminal Information Center and National Criminal Information Center) and TLETS/NLETS (Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System/National Law Enforcement Telecommunication System) databases.
8. Tests telephone and computer dispatch equipment at beginning of shift.
9. Completes data entry of police records and citations.
10. Must be able to work any shift, as needed by the Department, with or without reasonable accommodation.
11. Monitors several police, fire, and school district radios as required.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.
13. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
14. Work cooperatively with other police agencies to share information and provide other assistance.
Safety
15. Use sound judgment and effectively communicate with and elicit information from emotionally distraught students, staff, parents, and citizens.
16. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Administration
17. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and documents required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: standard office equipment including computer and peripherals, police radio, video monitors, dispatch console, multiple law enforcement center databases and TDD
Posture: Prolonged sitting, occasional bending, reaching, kneeling and lifting, such as retrieving or replacing video or audio tapes, retrieving and replacing files and records
Motion: frequent keyboarding/mouse
Lifting: Moderate lifting and carrying (15–44 pounds)
Environment: Work inside, moderate exposure to noise, high stress environment
Other: Specific hearing and visual requirements, may be exposed to prisoners, irate and hostile individuals, emergency situations
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; prolonged hours