Police Communications Operator I

City of Annapolis•Annapolis, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The role of a Police Communications Operator I involves crucial responsibilities in ensuring effective communication and coordination within law enforcement agencies. Operating as the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, these professionals receive, prioritize, and dispatch requests for police assistance. They must accurately gather information from callers, assess situations swiftly, and dispatch appropriate units while maintaining composure under pressure. Additionally, Police Communications Operator I personnel are tasked with operating and maintaining communication systems, logging incidents, and providing support to field officers as needed. This role demands strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work efficiently in high-stress situations to facilitate prompt and effective response to public safety concerns. Receives and dispatches messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift; does related work as required. This is an essential position.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Two years in radio-telephone communications or the equivalent.
Ability to multitask to stay calm in order to simultaneously answer calls, collect vital information, coordinate responders, monitor multiple displays, and use a variety of equipment.
Ability to learn the 911 CAD and Miles/NCIC systems.
Ability to obtain essential information from persons in emergency situations and to analyze same.
Ability to react calmly, quickly, and decisively to stressful situations.
Emotional stability.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice under emergency conditions.
Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Ability to coordinate routine and emergency repair efforts for equipment and related radio or telephone circuits.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports as required.
Good physical condition.
Ability to sit for long periods while working as a dispatcher.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including copier, computer, fax machine, mailing machine, typewriter, etc.
Ability to reach into file drawers in filing cabinets.
Sufficient visual ability to effectively operate office equipment, to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
Sufficient hearing ability to hold conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone, radio, etc., and to hear recordings on a transcription device.
Sufficient speaking ability to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over the telephone.
Freedom from mental disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the geography, streets, highways, and landmarks of the city.
Knowledge of fire, emergency medical services, or police department procedures, methods, and priorities.
Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing transmission by radio.
Good knowledge of police functions and operations, relevant law, police and departmental procedures.
Telephone systems (911)

Responsibilities

Receives and dispatches messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift.
Monitors and operates telephone, computer terminal, two-way radio, and related communications equipment.
Receives requests for emergency services from the public by telephone and text to 911.
Dispatches police and enters calls for service into the CAD Systems.
Maintains an accurate account of the current location of patrol cars.
Assists Police Officers in locating streets and addresses.
Maintains radio dispatch records.
Answers incoming radio calls from police units.
Receives and relays police information to the FBI, State Police, local and out-of-state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies.
Obtains information via computer requested by patrol officers such as license plates, checks for stolen cars, and checks wanted persons by name and date of birth.
Notifies ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, the Fire Department, Public Works Department, and/or the emergency medical team units as necessary.
Operates two-way radios, teletype machine, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, telephone, and related communications equipment.
Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports.
Determines by inquiry the location of the place or point of emergency and dispatches the proper unit or units.
Transmits such messages as may be necessary in conducting operations at the point of emergency.
Transmits special information through wired and radio communications systems of the city to various units.
Maintains a current record of movement, location, and involvement of assigned units.
Performs other duties as required.