Public Safety Dispatcher

Town of Braintree • Braintree, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Dispatcher receives oral communications from the public and public safety personnel entering the Braintree Police Station and dispatches appropriate personnel and resources according to established policies and procedures. The position works under the immediate direction of the Shift Commander and requires considerable independent judgment to determine appropriate responses and dispatch necessary personnel and equipment.

Work is performed in a communications center with moderate to loud noise levels and may involve stressful situations. The employee may be required to work night, weekend, or holiday schedules and be on-call. The position operates computers, radios, telephones, and other communications equipment, and requires moderate physical effort.

The dispatcher answers emergency and non-emergency calls, monitors radio frequencies and communications-center video or audio equipment, maintains incident logs, protects confidential information including CORI, and keeps dispatched personnel informed. The employee must know local streets and significant community locations, follow department communications procedures, respond calmly and professionally, attend required training, wear the approved uniform, and maintain regular and predictable attendance. The position also performs related administrative duties as requested by the Chief of Police or designee.

Requirements

• High school graduation.
• E 9-1-1 Certification from the Statewide Emergency Telecommunications Board.
• Healthcare Provider Certification from the American Heart Association.
• Successfully pass the Dispatcher Selection Test.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods related to dispatch and communications.
• Excellent listening and communication skills; patience and common sense.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to maintain good public relations and follow written or oral instructions.
• Ability to make sound decisions under stress, prioritize tasks, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in the use of communications equipment.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, speak, and hear; occasionally lift or move objects; and visually inspect equipment, read and analyze documents, and operate a computer and communications equipment.

Responsibilities

• Promptly and professionally answer emergency and non-emergency telephone lines, interview callers, and dispatch appropriate emergency personnel.
• Check all equipment at the start of every shift.
• Monitor radio frequencies in the Communications Center and respond when appropriate.
• Monitor video or audio equipment in the Communications Center and report information requiring attention to the Shift Commander, Patrol Supervisor, or Station Officer.
• Answer public calls for assistance and direct callers to the appropriate agency or agencies.
• Maintain confidentiality of information, including compliance with Massachusetts CORI laws.
• Announce Police Department call numbers as required by the Federal Communications Commission.
• Follow Police Department policies and procedures for radio and communications-equipment use.
• Monitor equipment, especially emergency-call equipment, and promptly report malfunctions or defects to the Shift Commander.
• Maintain a computerized daily log and create a computer-generated incident for on-duty activity, except requests for directions or similar information.
• Know emergency procedures for urgent Police, Fire, or EMS matters and activate them promptly when needed.
• Keep dispatched personnel informed of information affecting the safety or efficiency of their response.
• Learn the locations and layout of community streets, buildings, parks, housing projects, and other significant areas to support accurate and timely dispatches.
• Respond to complaints calmly, professionally, and civilly.
• Assist police officers with CORI information, inquiries, and investigations under supervisor direction while protecting confidentiality.
• Notify the Shift Commander or Patrol Supervisor when contact with an officer on patrol cannot be made within a reasonable time.
• Report police-officer deployments or responses beyond regularly assigned duties to the Shift Commander or Patrol Supervisor.
• Answer 911 calls using the prescribed greeting: “911, What is your emergency?”
• Promptly and professionally answer calls to the Communications Center using the prescribed greeting when required.
• Report for duty in the approved Communications Personnel uniform unless otherwise authorized.
• Perform related administrative duties as requested by the Chief of Police or designee.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Attend training sessions as required by the Chief of Police.

What This Job Offers

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