Communications Specialist (Police Dispatcher)

City of Greenbelt•Greenbelt, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Receives, evaluates, and processes calls for police assistance and operates base radio equipment to dispatch police units. Maintains radio contact with mobile units, tracks their status, receives field-unit calls, and transmits messages by radio or telephone. Handles emergency and non-emergency requests, determines the nature, location, and priority of emergencies, and dispatches or coordinates appropriate response units, including requests involving other public safety agencies. The position enters, updates, and retrieves crime-related information through computer and teletype networks; verifies wants and warrants and interprets terminal results; and monitors security cameras at Police Headquarters, processing areas, jail cells, and Roosevelt Center. It also provides service to citizens visiting Headquarters and performs recordkeeping, filing, indexing, and other clerical work related to public safety activities. Communications Specialist II may train new Communications Specialists. Other related duties may be assigned. Work is performed in a normal office environment, with little exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt, or dust. Conditions are typically moderately quiet to loud. The stated shift is 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Communications Specialist I: one to two years of progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Communications Specialist II: two to four years of progressively responsible experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
National Crime Information Center Certification.
Knowledge of a typewriter keyboard and current dispatching system, relevant computer applications and hardware, and department organization, operating guidelines, policies, rules, and regulations.
Ability to operate communications equipment, including multi-button telephones, base radio, computer terminals, and teletype equipment, quickly and accurately.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to communicate courteously in speech and writing with internal staff, the public, and other departmental staff.
Ability to operate and maintain assigned equipment required for the job.
Ability to speak clearly in English by phone and radio while tactfully communicating with highly emotional callers.
Ability to learn and operate computer-aided dispatch equipment.
Ability to comprehend written English and learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, and structured lecture.
Ability to enter information using a terminal, computer, or other keyboard device.
Ability to learn geographic areas, including operating beats and associated police problems.
Ability to remain calm and exercise judgment in emergency situations under heavy workload, and to determine emergency priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people.

Responsibilities

Receive, evaluate, and process calls for police assistance.
Operate base radio equipment to dispatch police units.
Maintain radio contact with mobile units and keep their status information current.
Receive calls from field units and transmit messages by radio or telephone.
Determine the nature, location, and priority of emergency calls and dispatch emergency units as needed.
Coordinate emergency calls and relay information and requests for assistance involving other public safety agencies.
Receive non-emergency and maintenance service calls for assistance.
Enter, update, and retrieve crime-related information from computer and teletype networks.
Monitor security cameras at Police Headquarters, processing areas, jail cells, and Roosevelt Center.
Perform recordkeeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work, and maintain documents related to public safety activities.
Notify allied agencies of misdirected police-service calls.
Verify wants and warrants and interpret information returned to the terminal.
Provide service to citizens visiting Headquarters with requests or complaints.
For Communications Specialist II, train new Communications Specialists in job duties and responsibilities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.