Telecommunication Officer [Dispatcher]

City of Freeport, Texas•Freeport, TX

About The Position

The Telecommunication Officer [Dispatcher] performs skilled emergency-services work for the Freeport Police Department. The role receives emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for police assistance, determines the nature and urgency of calls, initiates police or other emergency personnel responses, and stays in contact with field units to monitor responses and support needs. The work requires initiative and independent judgment within established procedures, including when dealing with emotional, disturbed, or abusive callers. Officers may work independently or with other Telecommunication Officers and may assist with training and basic operational equipment management. The position requires rotating shifts to maintain a fully operational 24-hour facility, and overtime may be required. The officer uses telephone, radio, computer-aided dispatch, and other communications systems; maintains records and personnel status information; and handles sensitive information securely. Emergency or non-traditional work hours may be necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age.
Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Complete the Basic Telecommunications Course within six months of employment.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public, supervisors, and coworkers.
Demonstrate problem-solving, observational, teamwork, writing, basic mathematics, computer, and self-management skills.
Demonstrate maturity, levelheadedness, honesty, intelligence, cooperation, courtesy, and dependability.
Be knowledgeable about city ordinances, departmental standard operating procedures, and regulations.
Exercise sound judgment, evaluate situations, make sound decisions, and give and receive verbal and written instructions effectively.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, the public, Police Department personnel, other city employees, and outside law enforcement agencies.
Know public service activity and local government methods, computer technology and equipment, law enforcement terminology and procedures, Freeport and surrounding-area geography, and English spelling and proper word usage.
Multitask and coordinate simultaneous mental, manual, and visual activities; observe situations objectively and relay details accurately.
Communicate using two-way radio and telephone equipment; operate communications equipment effectively; and read and interpret maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
Speak clearly and concisely, think clearly, and act quickly during emergencies.
Meet the attendance schedule dependably and consistently.
Be able to work under pressure with numerous distractions while maintaining good ethics and public service skills in adverse circumstances.
Be available for work, report dependably and on time, and be physically and mentally fit to perform assigned work.
Pass a drug analysis test and physical exam and successfully complete a background check.
Be able to lift objects weighing at least 50 pounds and perform the physical activities described for the position, including bending, stooping, crawling, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, including enhanced 911 calls, from the public, dispatchers, and law enforcement agencies using telephone and radio systems and computer-aided dispatch systems.
Process and evaluate incoming information, prioritize calls, and dispatch the required units or agencies.
Monitor and coordinate police unit activity and assignments over police radio frequencies.
Maintain the status and locations of public safety personnel.
Use computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines, and other communications equipment.
Create and maintain automated or manual logs of public safety communications activity.
Access and enter sensitive data in local, state, and national databases as needed for investigative purposes.
Enter and maintain files for persons or property pending apprehension or recovery.
Maintain the security and confidentiality of information encountered or created while performing assigned duties.
Keep informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.
May provide on-the-job training for Telecommunication Officers and submit progress reports and trainee evaluations.
Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor.