POLICE DISPATCHER

CITY OF PEEKSKILL•City of Peekskill, NY

About The Position

Responsible for the operation of a two-way communications system in a municipal Police Department to monitor, receive, relay, and record police alarms, intra-departmental calls, emergency calls, signals and other messages and to dispatch the appropriate emergency personnel and equipment to incidents and emergencies.

Requirements

Good knowledge of the methods and practices of operating radio and telephone equipment
good knowledge of the practices and procedures of using a two-way communications system
good knowledge of the geography of the policing jurisdiction
working knowledge of Federal Communication Commission Rules and Regulations pertaining to transmitting and receiving messages by short wave radio
working knowledge of modern police procedures and terminology
ability to perform calmly and efficiently in emergency situations
ability to clearly and concisely communicate during emergency situations
ability to deal effectively with the public in stressful situations
ability to remain calm while eliciting information from persons who may be in a highly emotional state
ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure
ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
ability to learn how to operate police station equipment including communications equipment and automated data retrieval equipment
ability to follow oral and written instructions
ability to write legibly
ability to maintain records and prepare reports
ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software
ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the essential duties of the position
clear diction
clerical aptitude
mental alertness
good judgment in emergencies
tact
courtesy
reliability
accuracy
emotional stability
physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and either: (a) one (1) year of paid or verifiable full time equivalent volunteer experience which involved working on automated equipment as a dispatcher in a police or fire department, EMS or ambulance agency; or (b) one (1) year of military service in a communications division which involved working on automated equipment or (c) satisfactory completion of a training program as a Certified First Responder Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic issued by the New York State Department of Health; or (d) satisfactory completion of a Basic Firefighter Training Course by the New York State Department of Fire Prevention and Control.
Pursuant to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) CJIS Security Policy, police dispatchers are required to undergo both a Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and FBI criminal fingerprint-based background check. In addition to the background investigation, and in accordance with NYCRR Title 21 Part 5200, Minimum Standards Regarding Direct Dispatch of all Emergency Services, candidates must meet additional personnel qualifications as stated in Section 5201.2, including a medical examination and a psychological examination/personality assessment.

Responsibilities

Monitors, receives, relays, and records police alarms, intra-departmental calls, emergency calls, signals and other messages coming in over the police communication system
Operates a two-way communications system to contact the emergency service unit covering the area
Operates a computerized information system (i.e. E-Justice) to access and record data and information
Answers, screens, and processes incoming emergency and non-emergency calls from the general public
Refers non-emergency requests to the appropriate resource for assistance
Queries callers in a calm, systematic manner to determine the nature of the situation, their precise location, the type of assistance and services needed, and any other information necessary to evaluate the situation
Operates radio equipment to dispatch police officers and emergency vehicles
Broadcasts orders to police patrol units to investigate complaints or incidents and relays instructions and/or questions
Maintains continuous status and location records of all police vehicles
Receives complaints from the public concerning crimes, accidents, and other police emergencies
Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, records and reports of all incoming and outgoing communications
Maintains current frequency modulation checks for all cars and periodically checks to measure frequency modulation deviations of transmitters to ensure continuity of service and correct operation of radio and telephone equipment
May perform clerical work of average difficulty related to their dispatching function including filing, typing (limited), and assisting in the taking of inventory
Uses computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.