Communications Officer

City of Cape Girardeau•Cape Girardeau, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and disseminating calls for police, fire and emergency medical service through the Communications Unit. The role involves answering emergency 911, non-emergency, text, and TDD calls for service, as well as monitoring and transmitting emergency and non-emergency radio traffic for the city. The Communications Officer also monitors a multi-agency radio system and assists surrounding agencies with mutual aid requests. They provide information, instructions, and assistance to the public, relay detailed call information to first responders, and maintain status and awareness of unit locations. Additionally, the position involves using a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) to input, retrieve, and clear inquiries concerning wanted/stolen status of persons, vehicles, and articles, as well as criminal histories. The role also includes maintaining manual and computer files and logs, referring citizens with non-law-enforcement problems to appropriate agencies, and monitoring building and jail security via closed-circuit cameras and audio systems. Employees are expected to promptly report for duty when assigned to work overtime, special hours, or special shifts, and may be required to report to work without advanced notice.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
No felony convictions.
Certification by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) in computer entry and inquiry is required the first year of employment and re-certification as required by the MSHP.
Must meet continuing education requirements as established by the State of Missouri.
Knowledge of communications equipment and technology.
Knowledge of MULES, NCIC, and FCC rules and regulations.
Knowledge of Police Department, Fire Department, Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department and other emergency service in the surrounding area.
Skill in the use of various types of communications equipment.
Reading and Typing Skills are required.
Skill in the operation of computers and other types of modern office equipment.
Skill in oral and written communication.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a public safety communications/dispatcher.

Responsibilities

Receives, screens, and takes appropriate action on all emergency and non-emergency calls.
Disseminates between law enforcement, medical, and fire response; determines nature and location of emergency, determines priority, and dispatches emergency responders as necessary in accordance with established department policies and procedures; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and emergency services responders.
Assists callers in high stress situations, such as but not limited to domestic violence, suicide, hostage situations, homicides, and life or death medical situations.
Answers emergency 911, non-emergency, text, and, TDD calls for service.
Monitors and transmits emergency and non-emergency radio traffic for the city; along with monitoring a multi-agency radio system and assisting surrounding agencies with mutual aid requests.
Provides information, instructions, and assistance to the public within scope of authority; provides detailed call information to first responders as needed; maintains status and awareness of unit locations; monitors message traffic and relays information as required using computer aided dispatch system (CAD).
Inputs, retrieves, and clears inquiries concerning wanted/stolen status of persons, vehicles, and articles and concerning criminal histories of persons through TAS/ADORS, MULES, NCIC and Department of Revenue computer files.
Maintains manual and computer files and logs.
Refers citizens with non-law-enforcement problems to appropriate agencies.
Monitors building security and all external city-owned video surveillance via closed circuit camera. This includes but not limited to City Hall, Public Works, Police and Fire Department, and numerous intersections inside the city limits.
Monitors jail security via closed circuit camera and audio system; provides back-up jail security via electrical jail door lock.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Employees shall promptly report for duty when assigned to work overtime, special hours or special shifts.
Employees may be required to report to work without advanced notice.

Benefits

Thirteen paid holidays per year.
96 hours of vacation – accrued throughout the year.
96 hours of sick leave – accrued throughout the year.
2 days of personal leave per fiscal year.
City paid monthly premiums for health and dental insurance – Employee only.
City paid monthly life insurance for employee only (1 times annual salary up to $50,000).
Optional group term life insurance purchased at employee’s expense.
Optional vision insurance purchased at employee’s expense.
Voluntary deferred compensation plan – not matched by the City.
Retirement (LAGERS) paid by the City.