Communications Officer (DPS)

State of Oklahoma•Ardmore, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center and in providing information to law enforcement officials, other agencies and the general public. This is an emergency communications officer position. It is required to meet 24/7 emergency communications center staffing for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Department of Public Safety has determined that this is a safety sensitive position as defined by 63 O.S. 427.8

Requirements

Must be a citizen of the United States of America.
Must be of good moral character.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Must possess a high school diploma or General Education Development equivalency certificate.
Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications.
Knowledge of OLETS, NLETS, and NCIC operating manuals.
Knowledge of state and federal laws concerning use of criminal records.
Knowledge of agency communications policies and procedures.
Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to operate radio and telecommunications equipment.
Ability to maintain operating efficiency under emergency and stressful conditions.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to follow complex written instructions.
Ability to type accurately from plain copy at the rate of twenty-five words per minute.
Final candidates will be scheduled for hearing tests by the hiring agency.
Must serve an initial probationary period of twelve (12) months, which may be extended for up to three (3) additional months.

Responsibilities

Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services.
Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities.
Researches criminal history information as required, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through the various systems.
Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
Maintains written records and logs of shift activities.
Composes and releases messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions and similar situations to field offices, news media and other law enforcement, civil defense and emergency services.
Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems.
Coordinates operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials.
Conducts on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
Develops and conducts training programs in communications procedures and requirements; collects, prepares, organizes, and edits instructional materials such as manuals, overhead transparencies, course outlines, and cassettes.
May serve as a member of screening boards in matters related to promotions, hiring, reinstatement and disciplinary actions; represents the agency in matters concerning user agreements and accountability for the operation and security of terminals and use of information.
Monitors security within the communications center or the facility.