Communications Officer

Town of Hanover•Hanover, NH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Hanover is seeking dedicated, detail-oriented professionals to join the Dispatch Division as Communications Officers. This role is critical to public safety—serving as the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinating police, fire, and emergency medical services across multiple Upper Valley communities. The Communications Officer is responsible for receiving calls for assistance from the public and dispatching appropriate public safety personnel for multiple communities in the Upper Valley. The position also maintains a variety of records for participating police, fire, and emergency medical services agencies, ensuring accurate, timely, and effective emergency response.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, department policies, and dispatch procedures
Knowledge of SPOTS and NCIC rules and regulations
Knowledge of the geography and street systems of the service area
Knowledge of public safety radio codes and dispatching protocols
Skill in operating computers, dispatch software, radios, and surveillance systems
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure in emergency situations
Strong interpersonal, public relations, and communication skills
Ability to remain calm, focused, and collaborative in high-stress environments
Specialized training related to communications, dispatch, or public safety, in addition to a high school education
One to two years of relevant experience or equivalent apprenticeship or internship experience
Possession of or ability to obtain SPOTS and NCIC certification

Responsibilities

Receive, screen, and prioritize incoming emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and other public safety agencies
Determine appropriate dispatch response and coordinate with police, fire, and EMS personnel
Dispatch emergency personnel and monitor their status during incidents
Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers when appropriate
Maintain detailed logs of telephone and radio calls for all participating agencies and prepare monthly activity reports
Enter, validate, and remove information in SPOT and NCIC systems, including missing persons and stolen property
Monitor motor vehicle stops and perform driver background checks
Process NICS checks for agencies issuing pistol permits
Monitor and maintain alarm systems for businesses and residences and assist with resolving alarm issues
Assist officers with information for incident, accident, arrest, and booking reports
Use multiple computer systems and communication tools to support emergency response
Perform related duties as assigned