Telecommunicator

Town of Smyrna•Smyrna, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This classification receives and relays emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire, and after hour utility services utilizing radio, telephone, and computer equipment. Duties and responsibilities include receiving and prioritizing emergency calls, dispatching appropriate law enforcement, emergency personnel, serving as liaison between callers and emergency responders; operating computers and communications equipment, preparing documentation, maintaining records, and performing additional tasks as assigned. Reports to Telecommunicator Supervisor.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Must pass a thorough background check.
Must never have been arrested or convicted of any crimes involving drugs, alcohol, or violence.
Must be able to pass a physical and psychological exam administered by a licensed doctor.
Must be able to perform effectively through high-stress situations.
Once hired, The employee will be required to maintain proficiency in emergency telecommunications through annual in-service training.
Must become proficient (within the training period) with the policies and procedures of the Town of Smyrna and the Smyrna Police Dept.

Responsibilities

Receives, screens, processes, and monitors emergency 911 calls and non-emergency calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio and telephone; evaluates, categorizes, and prioritizes calls; determines proper zone/jurisdiction of request; refers callers to other agencies as appropriate; receives routine calls for the department and records messages for department personnel.
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, spreadsheet, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), or other software programs; performs basic maintenance of computer systems, communications equipment, and general office equipment; inspects equipment for proper operations; monitors equipment alarms to identify problems; performs daily backups of computer data; clears paper jams and replaces audio tapes, paper, ink or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; determines nature of emergency, location of incident, number of units needed, and nearest available units; dispatches ambulances, fire fighters, animal control personnel or other agencies as appropriate.
Maintains communications with all parties involved in emergency situations; monitors status/location of officers and emergency units; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; conveys information between callers and emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, hospitals, businesses, alarm companies, department personnel, or other individuals/agencies; responds to requests from officers for backup, emergency units, information, or other assistance.
Maintains logs, computer records, and hard-copy records of calls, work activities, activities of dispatched units, and related information; enters call details into computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; prepares complaint cards to record calls of a significant nature; maintains daily logs of shift events/activities; maintains current maps, bulletins, telephone lists, directories, procedures, and other reference materials; shreds/destroys sensitive documents as directed.
Exchanges pertinent information with department personnel, other departments, and outside agencies; distributes incoming information/documentation to appropriate personnel; monitors incoming faxes and teletypes; provides information/documentation to other departments and outside agencies as requested.
Monitors radio traffic of other departments and other law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies to respond to radio calls and to maintain an awareness of activities.
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lists, or other documents.
Records all information via computer, performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; generates computerized reports and manual reports, forms and related documentation.
Monitors inventory of department forms and supplies; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct work activities; initiates requests for new/replacement items as needed.
Communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.
Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
Responds to requests from law enforcement personnel or other authorized individuals for information involving license plates, driver's license records, criminal history records, warrants, missing/wanted persons, location of individuals, stolen property, telephone numbers, or other information; obtains/provides background information as requested by authorized personnel.
Dispatches law enforcement units, and utility crews; maintains communications with utility crews, and wrecker services.
Notifies towing services, ambulance service, and other services as requested by personnel or public.
Operates national or state criminal information computer systems (NCIC/TCIC) to retrieve/update criminal information and motor vehicle/license records; enters, removes, confirms, and/or updates various data; runs inquiries on data such as vehicle registrations, driver's license records, criminal histories, warrants, stolen property, or missing/wanted persons; receives BOLO notices and broadcasts/distributes as appropriate; maintains records of NCIC/TCIC validations; ensures integrity/security of data and adherence to NCIC/TCIC requirements.
Monitors radio traffic of other departments and other law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies to respond to radio calls and to maintain an awareness of activities.
Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lists, NCIC/TCIC bulletins/reports, teletypes, criminal history reports, driver history reports, BOLO notices, validations, pawn shop slips, house checks, NCIC/TCIC guides, 911 guidelines, training materials, policies, procedures, local/jurisdictional maps, street guides, directories, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.