Police Communications Operator I

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves operating a communications center, providing crucial radio and telephone support to sworn and non-sworn department personnel. The operator will serve as the link between field officers, supervisors, emergency services, and other law enforcement agencies. Key responsibilities include receiving and evaluating public calls for police assistance (both emergency and non-emergency), determining the appropriate response, and inputting/transmitting call information via a computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) system or manual methods. The operator will also refer callers to appropriate agencies, notify parties of complaints or required actions, and utilize the CAD system to update statuses, transmit emergency service requests, and retrieve data. Accurate recognition of letters, numbers, addresses, names, and license plates under pressure is essential. Additionally, the role requires completing emergency notification messages for critical situations threatening health and safety, and using various criminal justice and public safety computer systems (including FCIC/NCIC) to query and disseminate information such as driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, warrants, and criminal histories. The operator will also monitor alarm systems (Lenel, SIS, RMS, UFTR) and prepare departmental logs and reports. Support during large events, such as home football games, is also a requirement, which may involve pre-game/post-game communications and stadium assignments (booking rooms, barricades, parking, traffic direction), requiring extended periods of sitting or standing in various conditions. The position also involves providing support to special events in various capacities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
One year of relevant experience
Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Public Safety Telecommunicator State Certification may substitute for an equivalent rate of experience.
Proficient typing skills
Strong customer service skills
Strong situational awareness skills
Strong active listening skills
Call control skills to get needed information
Interviewing skills
Verbal and written communication skills
Ability to multi-task, performing several activities simultaneously
Ability to make quick and correct decisions, functioning effectively and efficiently in high-stress emergencies
Ability to handle several activities simultaneously
Ability to respond to the public in a courteous, professional manner
Ability to compile and compare written logs and reports
Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
Ability to coordinate and disseminate information accurately
Ability to maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods
Ability to speak clearly
Ability to listen effectively
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to type 35 words per minute proficiently
Ability to memorize and retain relevant signals, codes, and rules
Ability to see in normal visual range with or without correction
Ability to hear in normal audio range with or without correction, and over background noise
Ability/mobility to work in an emergency dispatch center
Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods
Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and lift occasionally
Ability to carry, push, and/or pull a light to moderate amount of weight
Ability to lift or move barricades occasionally (during overtime assignments)
Ability to operate office equipment that requires repetitive typing, hand movement, and fine eye/hand/foot coordination
Sharp situational awareness
Attention to details
Strong work ethic
Strong team cohesiveness
Self-managed
Must be willing to work shift work; holidays, weekends, overtime.

Nice To Haves

Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator (911 Emergency Dispatcher) state certification
State certification on the NCIC/FCIC computer system
Knowledge of the appropriate methods of dealing with people in emergencies/crisis situations
Knowledge of dispatch protocols, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of the public safety communications center
Knowledge of streets, buildings, and UF geography
Knowledge of complex electronic and telecommunications equipment commonly used in public safety

Responsibilities

Operate the communications center, providing radio communication support to sworn and non-sworn department personnel.
Maintain radio/telephone communication link between field officers and base station, supervisors, emergency services, and other law enforcement agencies.
Receive and evaluate calls from the public requesting police assistance, of both emergency and non-emergency natures, and quickly determine the appropriate response.
Input and transmit call information using a computer-assisted dispatch system or a manual card system.
Refer callers to appropriate agencies or extensions.
Contact appropriate parties to notify them of complaints and/or actions required.
Use a computer-assisted dispatch system to update and monitor law enforcement statuses, transmit requests for emergency services, and retrieve various data and records.
Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names, and license numbers received by radio, telephone, or a computer monitor.
Complete emergency notification messages for in-progress or dangerous situations that immediately threaten the health and safety of the campus community.
Use various criminal justice and public safety computer systems to query and disseminate driver license records, vehicle registrations, stolen article files, warrants, criminal histories, and missing persons’ listings.
Perform duties associated with the Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) teletype equipment.
Enter and modify records in state and national computer databases.
Compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
Monitor all applicable alarm systems, including security and fire alarm activations on the Lenel, SIS, RMS, and UFTR alarm systems.
Obtain and/or verify other information required by law enforcement officers using computer systems, two-way radio communications, and telephone.
Contact other public safety agencies to obtain assistance (as needed).
Prepare various departmental logs, reports, and forms.
Complete occasional face-to-face training for more effective and efficient employee development.
Provide support during large events such as home football games, which may include pre-game and post-game communications in the center.
May include stadium assignments such as coverage for booking rooms, barricades, parking lots, elevators, and traffic direction during large events.
Provide support to special events in various capacities.