Communications Operator (Dispatcher) / Gainesville Police Department

City of Gainesville•Steven K Fleming Public Safety Center, TX

About The Position

This civilian position receives incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other public safety services; determines the nature and location of emergencies; prioritizes calls; and dispatches units according to established procedures. The operator maintains contact with assigned units and tracks the status and location of police field units. The role also handles general dispatch support, record keeping, clerical work, and teletype communications. The position operates public safety communications equipment and accesses State and National law enforcement computer systems. Duties include monitoring building security cameras and alarms, assisting with checks and data entry related to arrested subjects, monitoring the National Warning System line, compiling call statistics, and coordinating information with other public safety agencies. Work may include answering maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays, and the employee may be assigned various shifts.

Requirements

One year of public safety dispatch experience.
Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid law enforcement teletype certification.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate basic dispatch certificate.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; modern office procedures and computer equipment; Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; geographic features and streets in the service area; radio or telecommunications procedures, rules, and equipment; pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; and department procedures and policies for dispatching City emergency equipment and those of other user agencies.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; work under pressure, use good judgment, and make sound decisions in emergencies; communicate with upset or irate citizens; type at a speed necessary for successful job performance; work assigned shifts; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; operate standard radio or telecommunications equipment; provide accurate and effective testimony in legal proceedings; and behave in a manner conducive to high morale.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other public safety services; determine the nature and location of emergencies, set priorities, and dispatch units according to established procedures.
Maintain contact with assigned units and track the status and location of police field units.
Answer non-emergency assistance calls and maintenance service emergency calls on weekends and holidays.
Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and firefighting agencies.
Perform record keeping, filing, indexing, and other clerical work; maintain logs relating to public safety activities.
Operate public safety communications equipment, including multi-channel radios, instant recall recorders, paging systems, and intercom systems; test and inspect equipment as required.
Access State and National law enforcement computer systems.
Monitor video cameras to help ensure the security of the building, prisoners, and jail cells.
Assist with clerical duties related to arrested subjects, including checking warrants and other information, running computer checks, entering data into computer network systems, searching prisoners, and monitoring alarms.
Monitor the National Warning System telephone line for national emergencies and severe weather information and communicate information to appropriate personnel.
Compile statistics on calls received.
Coordinate activities with other law enforcement agencies and provide information or assistance as necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned.