Communications Officer

Town of Front Royal•Front Royal, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Front Royal Police Department is seeking a Communications Officer to perform technical work dispatching law enforcement and other equipment and personnel, usually in response to emergency situations. The Communications Division is a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation and is the hub of the Police Department. Communications Officer's handle over 20,000 calls per year and are the first point of contact the public has with the Police Department. They are also responsible for all incoming telephone calls, including 911 calls, and all walk-in complaints.

Requirements

High School Diploma/GED
One (1) year of work experience.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, dispatcher certificate within 12 months of employment.
Knowledge of: Dispatch related hardware and software.
Knowledge of: Police Department rules, regulation, policies and procedures.
Knowledge of: Public relations techniques.
Knowledge of: Report writing techniques and procedures.
Knowledge of: Geography of the Town of Front Royal and surrounding areas to include locations of important buildings and landmarks.
Communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing
Deal with the public in a tactful and respectful manner.
Work quickly and accurately.
Work during regular and irregular shift rotations, which may include weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload of staffing difficulties.
Work under stress and use good judgement in emergency situations.
Type at a reasonable rate of speed.
Speak distinctly and clearly.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Nice To Haves

A working knowledge of all resource manuals and directories ensuring quick and efficient requests for assistance or referrals including but not limited to the following: VCIN/NCIC Criminal Histories Quick Reference Guide Business Directories Trespass Reference Emergency Operations Plans Shift Reports/Schedules BOL/TTY Board Knox Log EPO Board Department Policy & Procedures Manual Memo Board

Responsibilities

Receive emergency calls, determine location and nature of emergency, and dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment.
Responsible for dissemination, data entry and file maintenance of all calls for service (emergency and non-emergency related), radio and phone traffic and service-related activities.
Provides communications support and assistance to police officers and other Town of Front Royal employees within the communications area of responsibility.
Receive and forward service requests, complaints, and other calls for departments served by the communications center.
Provides assistance to the general public; provides information and directions; handle route inquiries or problems to appropriate police staff members.
Ensure proper protocols are followed.
Operates multi-faceted dedicated communications devices, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management, VCIN/NCIC terminal, Voice recording systems, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), FAX and Copy machine, etc.
Perform clerical work and records maintenance and all other duties as directed by the Communications Supervisor and all higher authority.
Perform related tasks as required.