Job Summary
Dispatchers provide lifesaving instructions by answering emergency 9-1-1 calls and non-emergency telephone calls. They communicate and relay critical information between and among first responders and citizens. This position plays an essential part in the Public Safety System by dispatching emergency personnel and first responders to Police and EMS calls for service 24/7.
Essential Duties
- Effectively communicates with people, including juveniles and children, by giving information, directions and directing them to the proper division or agency.
- Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and in-person requests for assistance and information and directs the requests to the proper division or agency.
- Dispatches police units via radio; relay relevant information to police units via radio and maintain ongoing status of police personnel and units.
- Operates and manipulates the enhanced emergency 911 system and the console radios to dispatch police, fire and EMS units.
- Monitor security camera screens for the building and prisoners detained in the city jail.
- Conducts computer searches through local and state files for wanted persons and stolen property disseminate that information to the requesting officer.
- Maintains manual and automated record keeping systems, including maintaining logs and completing routine reports on arrest and release of prisoners.
- Processes bonding/fine paperwork utilizing cash, credit cards, money order, and distribution of receipts issued for fines, bonds, photocopies and credit card charges.
- Enters and clears warrants for municipal court. Operates computers, telephones, radios, recording equipment, and related communication equipment.
- All other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
- English grammar, spelling, punctuation
- TCIC/TLETS procedures
- Phone systems and directories
- City and departmental policies and procedures; state and local laws and ordinances
- FCC laws concerning using a radio to communicate with field units
- Warrant procedures and processing requirements
- Surrounding agencies and jurisdictional boundaries
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
Skill in:
- Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
- Keyboarding and data entry
- Listening, comprehension, articulation and decision making
- Providing customer service
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
- Operating 9-1-1 equipment and other emergency medical dispatching systems
Ability to:
- Gather and disseminate information, clearly, accurately, and rapidly
- Remain calm and level-headed in high-stress situations
- Understand and carry out oral and written directions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents along with electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Meet schedules and deadlines of work assignments
Qualifications
High school diploma or GED equivalent is required
Ability to pass all pre-employment screenings including personal interview, thorough background investigation, polygraph and psychological exams, if applicable.
40-hr TCLEOSE Telecommunicator Certification is preferred; Must be able to pass the TCOLE examination for telecommunicator licensing within 12 months of employment.
At least one (1) year of related work experience preferred, but not required