This is a responsible position which involves supervising and coordinating activities of the Communications Unit of the Town of Palm Beach Police Department. This position performs a variety of dispatch/communication functions which require the application of independent judgment and selection of work methods. Duties include performing all the functions of a Telecommunicator and directly supervising the daily shift operations of the Communications Unit, including: receiving, evaluating, and dispatching calls for Police and Fire service; performing notification and information gathering duties using computers, directories, etc., in support of officers in the field; clerical work relating to the preparation and updating of logs, notification/information cards, and other files; monitoring of security devices located within the police facility; and training of Telecommunicator trainees and continuing education for Telecommunicators.
- Supervises complete police department switchboard operation; monitors accuracy of all work related output for the assigned shift; plans work schedules, including vacations, training days, and other leaves for the assigned shift; conducts yearly performance evaluations for assigned personnel; and identifies problems as they occur and develops a training procedure to correct deficiencies.
- Supervises and coordinates maintenance and repair of equipment in the Communications Center, and prepares and submits administrative forms, schedules, evaluations, etc.
- Monitors and properly dispatches 911 calls for police and fire service of an emergency/non-emergency nature by operating all terminals and integrated computer systems located within the Communications Center, and entering and receiving all requests for information.
- Receives and processes requests for service/assistance from mobile units, i.e., contacting ambulance, wrecker, or service, and checking addresses and researching follow-up information.
- Receives telephone calls for police and fire departments; transfers calls of an emergency nature outside the Town's jurisdiction to the appropriate agency; refers calls of a non-emergency nature to proper department or agency; and provides directions and points of interest.
- Checks and processes teletypes, including filing bolos; giving bolos out over the air; forwards bolos to appropriate units; and log and file bolo requests made by mobile units.
- Performs clerical work relating to the preparation and updating of logs, notification/information cards, and other files; maintains a daily log on each unit assigned; maintains daily FCC log of radio transmissions in event of failure of the CAD System; enters data into the CAD System; requisitions materials and equipment as needed; and updates reference material used by Communications personnel.
- Assists employees in the performance of their duties, i.e., takes calls, delivers messages, researches requested information.
- Monitors security devices located within the police facility.
- Notifies a supervisor of any equipment malfunctions or all calls of a serious, unusual, or life-threatening nature.
- Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must possess a current State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification.
- Florida Crime Information Center Certification, CPR, and National Academy of Emergency Fire & Medical Dispatch Certifications are preferred.
- A minimum of two years experience as a Telecommunicator required
- A minimum of one year experience as a Telecommunicator Supervisor required
- Preferred APCO Supervisor Certified.
- Ability to read and interpret text in books, charts, publications, equipment instructions and information displayed on computer terminals.
- Ability to view a computer terminal for extended periods of time.
- Ability to work long periods of time, day or night, weekends, holidays and shift work.
- Knowledge of communications management, FCC rules and regulations, and computer operations.
- Knowledge and operation of a complex Next Generation 9-1-1 telephone system, P25 Motorola Radio System, Tyler Enterprise Computer Aided Dispatch and RMS software, Priority Dispatch software and a computer interface system with the Florida and National Crime Information Centers.
