Public Safety Communications Officer I

City of Alexandria•Alexandria, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Communications Officer (PSCO) I employees work various shifts, weekends, and holidays and serve as call-takers for all emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. Work is under the lead director of a Public Safety Communications Supervisor. A PSCO I serves as the first line of communication for emergency and non-emergency telephone calls with the public. The position involves answering emergency phone calls, ranging in nature from noise complaints to serious crime reports. A PSCO I receives, categorizes, and monitors calls and dispatch radio communications to Police, Fire, and/or EMS units. This is a high-tension, high-stakes position that requires quick thinking, first-rate customer service, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain composure.

Requirements

Strong, clear, and efficient verbal and written communication skills.
Outstanding ability to work with the public and maintain excellent relationships within the department and City.
Thorough understanding of technology, as PSCO I's operate Computer-Aided Dispatch software.
Strong knowledge of the city's geography and the ability to read maps.
Thorough understanding of police terminology, policies, regulations, and procedures.
High School Diploma or GED
United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States (The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) requires all persons defined as a terminal operator to be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten (10) consecutive years before applying for certification).

Nice To Haves

One year experience in customer service and/or call center environments
Bilingual in English and Spanish or any other foreign language.

Responsibilities

Operates automated calling system to answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.
Enters call information into the Computer-Aided Automated Dispatch System and monitors the response of Police, Fire, and EMS units.
Provides information to the public and law enforcement agencies within departmental guidelines.
Provides callers with life-saving instructions until assistance arrives.
Transfers or directs callers to the appropriate personnel, department, or other law enforcement agencies.
Documents events with all pertinent information received.
Contributes to team training efforts, including the development and evaluation of new personnel.
Always maintain the work environment and equipment in a safe and clean condition.
Assists with training activities, logs, reports, and data analysis.
Relays messages completely and accurately
Obtains and processes towed vehicle information
Performs related work, as required.