Police Communications OPR III

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a shift supervisor within the UFPD Communications Center, overseeing both sworn and non-sworn employees. The role involves supervising, training, advising, and counseling staff, regulating activities, and providing instruction on duties and responsibilities. The supervisor conducts pre-shift briefings, ensures efficient and professional handling of calls for service, and acts as a Communications Training Officer. Responsibilities include reviewing and documenting subordinate performance, managing work schedules, and resolving employee-related issues such as conflicts and grievances. The position also involves exercising authority for corrective or disciplinary actions and participating in emergency notification activations. The supervisor operates the Communications Center, providing radio communication support, maintaining links between field officers, supervisors, emergency services, and other agencies. Duties include operating the FCIC/NCIC teletype, modifying records in state and national databases, receiving and evaluating public calls, inputting and transmitting call information via computer-assisted dispatch (CAD) or manual systems, and referring callers to appropriate agencies. The role requires using CAD to update unit status, transmit requests, and retrieve data, as well as utilizing various criminal justice and public safety computer systems for record checks. The position also monitors security and fire alarms, obtains information for field units, contacts other public safety agencies for assistance, prepares departmental logs and reports, and provides support for special events. This role requires sitting or standing for extended periods, indoors and outdoors, in varying weather conditions. The supervisor assesses and responds to system failures, participates in interviewing applicants, and completes emergency notification messages for critical situations. The role also involves attending/conducting training and preparing detailed records and reports, potentially providing testimony in judicial proceedings.

Requirements

A high school diploma and three years of appropriate experience with a public safety communications center; supplemented by three years of experience or training as a supervisor of a public safety communications center or any equivalent combination of education, training and appropriate experience.
Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Proficiency in typing, State certification on the NCIC/FCIC computer system are required within six months of employment, and Florida Department of Health E911 Telecommunicator certification required.
Must be able to type proficiently, minimum 35 CWPM.

Nice To Haves

Considerable experience in the operation of a public safety communications center
Knowledge of training/educational and supervisory methods, practices, and procedures
Knowledge of public safety dispatch operations – scheduling, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating work
Knowledge of department policies and procedures
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Ability to evaluate subordinates' performance and behavior and provide constructive feedback and coaching
Ability to provide supervision, leadership, and direction to subordinates
Ability to supervise the maintenance of dispatching procedures, including coordination with local agencies as needed and in accordance with departmental procedures
Ability to make correct decisions and function effectively and efficiently in high-stress emergencies
Ability to handle several activities simultaneously
Ability to respond to the public in a calm, effective manner
Ability to accurately receive information and input the same into the computer-assisted dispatch program
Ability to compile and compare written logs and reports
Ability to use various training styles to achieve objectives
Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments
Ability to coordinate and disseminate information accurately
Ability to speak clearly and listen effectively
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to supervise, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to foster a team and a positive work environment

Responsibilities

Supervise all employees (sworn and non-sworn) assigned to work in the UFPD Communications Center.
Supervise, train, advise, and counsel all employees assigned.
Regulate activities and provide instruction regarding the duties and responsibilities of Police Communications Operators to subordinates.
Conduct briefings (as necessary) prior to shift assignments (i.e., inspect employees; explain and discuss new/revised department orders, memos, and directives; and conduct of routine and newly developed procedures for performing call taking, police dispatching, and teletype functions).
Ensure all calls for service are handled as quickly and professionally as possible.
Serves as Communications Training Officer, training personnel in the methods and procedures of call taking, police dispatching, and teletype functions.
Review, evaluate, and/or document all shift subordinates’ work performance, evaluations, and work schedules.
Receive, process, and aid in the resolution of any complaint registered from and/or against shift employees, work schedule conflicts, grievances, personal conflicts, or other issues (as necessary).
Exercise authority to take corrective actions, or to recommend disciplinary actions effectively.
Supervises and participates as required in the activation of emergency notifications.
Operate UFPD Communications Center, providing radio communication support to sworn and non-sworn department employees.
Maintain radio/telephone communication link between field officers and base station, supervisors, emergency services, and other law enforcement agencies.
Perform duties associated with the Florida Crime Information Center/National Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) teletype.
Modify records in state and national computer databases.
Receive and evaluate calls from the public requesting police assistance, of both emergency and non-emergency natures.
Input and transmit call information using computer-assisted dispatch system or manual card system.
Refer callers to appropriate agencies or extensions.
Contact appropriate parties to notify of complaints and/or actions required.
Use computer-assisted dispatch system to update and monitor unit status, transmit requests for emergency services, and retrieve various data and records.
Use various criminal justice and public safety computer systems to check drivers’ license records, vehicle registrations, stolen article files, warrants, criminal history, and missing persons listings.
Monitor for activation of security and fire alarms on the Lenel, SIS, RMS, and UFTR alarm systems.
Obtain and/or verify other information required by field units using computer, two-way radio communications, and telephone.
Contact other public safety agencies to obtain assistance (as needed).
Prepare various departmental logs, reports, and forms.
Provide support to special events in various capacities.
Assess failure of computer and radio systems, take necessary action, and make appropriate notifications.
Participates in interviewing job applicants.
Complete emergency notification messages for in-progress or dangerous situations that immediately threaten the health and safety of the campus community.
Attend and/or conduct training classes.
Prepare detailed records and reports in a timely manner.
Provide testimony and/or appear in judicial proceedings (witness appearance rather than arresting officer, used to witness rights, original complaint, how received, etc.).