Police Dispatcher

City of Pflugerville • Pflugerville Police Department, TX

1d

About The Position

The Police Dispatcher serves as a vital link between the public and emergency responders. This non-supervisory position operates under the general supervision of a Dispatch Supervisor. The dispatcher receives, evaluates, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls requiring law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services; dispatches police units; monitors their status; and maintains accurate logs of calls, incidents, and radio communications. The position uses complex technical systems and equipment to coordinate timely responses and requires professionalism, emotional composure, sound judgment, and customer service when assisting callers in critical situations.

Work is primarily performed at an adjustable workstation, with periodic changes in posture encouraged. The dispatcher must be available for assigned shifts that may include nights, weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, and on-call rotation or emergency callback as required. The position requires audio perception through a headset, speakers, and handheld radios, and eligibility for access to criminal justice information systems.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of customer service experience involving heavy phone contact, data entry, complaint resolution, or order processing.
• Eligible for a Texas Basic Telecommunicator License (TCOLE), to be obtained within 12 months of employment; the agency will coordinate.
• Eligible for TCIC/TLETS certification, to be obtained within 6 months of employment; the agency will coordinate.
• Eligible for CJIS certification, to be obtained immediately upon hire; the agency will coordinate.
• Obtain CPR certification as required by TCOLE; the agency will coordinate.
• Obtain TDD certification within one year; the agency will coordinate.
• Valid Texas driver license.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication, active listening, courtesy, and sensitivity when interacting with others.
• Strong time management, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to learn, retain, and apply new information, procedures, and technology.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with department policies, CJIS requirements, and applicable laws.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and remain calm and professional in high-stress or public safety situations.
• Ability to operate two-way radios, communications systems, computers, and standard office equipment.
• Accurate typing skills of at least 30 words per minute.
• Availability to work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, occasional overtime, and an on-call rotation or emergency callback as required.
• Successfully meet required physical, psychological, drug-testing, and background investigation standards, including criminal history requirements for access to criminal justice information systems.
• Obtain and maintain eligibility for CJIS access and all required licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous public safety communications or law enforcement experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, record, and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls by phone and radio.
• Assess calls, dispatch appropriate responders, and route non-emergency calls to the appropriate staff or agencies.
• Monitor a multi-channel radio system and maintain awareness of field unit status.
• Provide the public with information and directions.
• Enter and maintain warrants, property records, and related data in state and national systems.
• Conduct record checks on individuals, vehicles, locations, and property, and verify warrants, licenses, and stolen items.
• Complete required forms and reports; maintain logs, reports, maps, and activity records; and perform routine data entry.
• Operate emergency and non-emergency call recording and playback systems.
• Provide TDD assistance to deaf and hard-of-hearing callers.
• Run equipment diagnostics and coordinate technology issues with IT.
• Manage records for repossessed and private-property-impounded vehicles.
• Communicate and coordinate with other departments, agencies, and the public by phone, radio, teletype, and computer.
• Perform basic housekeeping and upkeep of Communications Center equipment and workspace.
• Remain accessible by personal cell phone to address job-related issues or emergencies using City applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees may use a 457 deferred compensation plan.
• 100% paid employee assistance program offering financial, legal, mental, and career coaching and other services.
• The City provides a benefits package for full-time employees; details are available on the City benefits website.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED