Police Dispatcher

City of Boaz•Boaz, AL

20h

About The Position

The Police Dispatcher performs clerical and dispatching duties for the receipt and transmission of police, fire, emergency, and paramedic calls for City agencies, as well as utility service emergencies. The position dispatches personnel and equipment as needed, operates the switchboard, takes complaints, and performs related work. Employees handle routine communications by telephone, teletype, and radio, contact the appropriate unit with the type and location of an emergency and other relevant information, and record calls and complaints. The position works under the general supervision of the shift Captain.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of the City's geography and highway and street systems.
Some knowledge of Federal and State regulations governing radio transmission, and ability to use radio and other communications equipment effectively.
Some knowledge of local ordinances and laws, and knowledge of police terminology.
Skill in handling emergency calls calmly, assessing the scope and magnitude of emergencies, dealing sympathetically with callers, and making rapid decisions under emergency conditions.
Ability to accurately operate a typewriter, computer terminal, copy machine, fax machine, Dictaphone, and other standard office and communications equipment.
Ability to prioritize incoming messages and determine the most urgent need.
Ability to perform minimal preventive maintenance on electronic equipment.
Ability to speak and communicate clearly and distinctly and maintain effective working relationships with employees, superiors, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Receive telephone or radio calls for police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency personnel or equipment.
Maintain records of warrants, message traffic, and other communications.
Determine the exact location of an emergency and dispatch the appropriate unit or units.
Transmit messages needed to conduct operations at an emergency, record required information, and enter information into NCIC for officers when necessary.
Monitor burglar and fire alarm receiving equipment and transmit or receive special information through wired and radio communications systems.
Complete dispatch accounting forms and other data sheets, and maintain activity sheets, jail logs, and other required information.
Monitor weather and road conditions and broadcast emergency warnings.
Monitor prisoners in the City Jail by TV monitor; process prisoners upon admission and discharge, safeguard their property, and assist in maintaining order in the jail as required.
Receive and dispatch utility calls after hours and on weekends, and receive animal control calls.
Respond to requests from citizens visiting the Police Department and determine appropriate routing or disposition.
Physically monitor inmates when the Jailer/Dispatcher is not on duty.
Perform related work as assigned or required.