Dispatcher Clerk (PRN) - Communications

Washington University in St. Louis

6d•$17 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatcher is a non-sworn position responsible for receiving telephone and in-person complaints and requests for police service from the campus community. The Dispatcher dispatches all calls for police services, transmits necessary information to police units, and makes entries into the Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The Dispatcher monitors the University’s card-access, CCTV, burglar and fire alarm systems, and dispatches the appropriate agency in response to the alarms. In addition, the Dispatcher dispatches the Emergency Support Team (EST) on medical calls. The Dispatcher is responsible for implementing all duties in accordance with Departmental policies and procedures and must often perform two or more telecommunicative functions at once or in rapid succession.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent high school certification or combination of education and/or experience.
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
No specific work experience is required for this position.
Not Applicable
A driver's license is not required for this position.

Nice To Haves

Ability to work all shifts.
Ability to function effectively in a potentially stressful environment.
Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute with accuracy.
Ability to listen and effectively communicate via telephone, police radio and in person.
No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Responsibilities

Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and in-person complaints from the public.
Refers non-emergency calls to the appropriate service provider by phone call, written message or in-person referral.
Dispatches police personnel using radio system in response to calls for service. This involves assessing and assigning the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor.
Records all police activity on proper forms and/or by entering data in the Department’s CAD system. This activity is conducted concurrently with other Dispatcher tasks.
Maintains constant contact, by police radio, with police personnel in the field and remains alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety.
Maintains an on-going assessment of personnel availability through active listening to radio traffic.
Monitors alarm panels by watching or listening and dispatches units to the appropriate alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the Campus as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability.
The Dispatcher must react quickly in contacting personnel at the source of the alarm to determine if the alarm is false or bona fide.
Monitoring of campus CCTV feeds by viewing monitors in the dispatch center and dispatching appropriate personnel when activity requiring follow-up is observed.
Monitors by listening to and comprehending several other radio frequencies such as Parking, Bear Patrol and surrounding jurisdictions.
Dispatches the Emergency Support Team.
Monitors and dispatches units in response to calls received on the Emergency “Blue Light” Telephone system.
Using police telecommunication system, notifies and dispatches appropriate personnel in response to specific incidents requiring investigation.
Conducts computer inquiries and makes computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, license registrations, etc.
Must constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc.
Receives and processes emergency calls for other University departments when they are closed.
Maintains a constantly updated log of towed vehicles.
Maintains computerized files of bicycle registrations, telephone contacts, etc.
Greets and assists visitors at the public window.
Responds to inquiries from the public regarding police related services and makes referrals for members of the news media.
Maintains Department recording equipment so that telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed by periodically changing discs and checking machines for proper adjustment.
Reviews “Dispatcher” e-mail on a daily basis; shares pertinent information with on-coming Dispatcher.
Other duties as assigned.