Police Dispatcher

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

About The Position

Police Dispatchers work in the enhanced Communications Center, performing public safety communications, intelligence-gathering, and emergency-management duties. The center is staffed by Dispatch personnel 24/7 and serves as a central link between people making emergency or non-emergency calls and the appropriate resources. Dispatchers monitor radio traffic, access-control systems, security cameras, and fire alarms, and respond to callers in a calm, decisive, and courteous manner.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
One or more years of relevant experience.
A valid U.S. driver's license.
Obtain CJIS certification within six months of hire.
Obtain APCO certification within six months of hire.
Pass a criminal background check.
Undergo a drug test and psychological exam.
Possess CPR (BLS/HCP) certification or achieve it within the first three months.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and quickly synthesize information.
Ability to remain calm, stay focused, and use sound judgment in rapidly evolving, stressful emergency situations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong computer and typing skills, with the ability to learn new software.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people.
Professional phone manner and a service mentality.
Team- and goal-oriented.
Ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.
Ability to work holidays, weekends, day/evening/night shifts, overtime, and during a state of emergency.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Former dispatch or law enforcement experience.
Call-taking experience.
Experience in a higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Receive emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
Determine the nature, location, and priority of requests and dispatch appropriate resources in accordance with established procedures.
Enter, update, and retrieve information from a variety of computer systems.
Disseminate mass emergency notification alerts when necessary.
Monitor radio traffic, security alarms, fire alarms, and video security cameras.
Provide referral services and victim resources.
Research, collect, analyze, document, and disseminate public safety intelligence.
Complete initial training and maintain knowledge through continuing education.
Perform other duties as assigned.