SPECIALIST COMMUNICATIONS

## Overview This job entails a myriad of responsibilities and skills. Dispatchers must be computer literate and versatile. Working with three totally different computer systems. Dispatchers are required to handle heavy volumes of telephone traffic along with radio traffic. Responsible for tracking numerous Police officers assigned to the shift. Required to screen calls and triage them as to urgent, priority or routine and must deal with all law enforcement agencies via telephone, radio and teletype system. Dispatchers will have to perform numerous tasks simultaneously often under extreme urgency. Dispatchers deal directly with the public at the front desk. Dispatchers must have the ability to cope with extreme pressure from many sources and maintain professionalism at all times, must be organized and have the ability to maintain that organization in a very volatile and complex environment. ## Description **ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS** 1. Receives all incoming calls for police department and 911 emergency calls. Operates switchboard for all City calls nights, weekends and holidays. Operates the base radio and maintains contact with mobile units to dispatch public safety assistance where needed. Monitors emergency telephones and hotlines from various law enforcement agencies and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies as necessary. 2. Receives and dispatches telephone emergencies; monitors and transmits radio communication; broadcasts orders to law enforcement personnel, animal control, ambulance, fire, etc.; coordinates emergency requests; monitors emergency telephones. 3. Evaluates all communications and determines if situation is an emergency, a civil matter or a situation requiring police or fire assistance. Notifies, if necessary, backup units and arranges for emergency equipment as necessary. 4. Operates in-house computer system to retrieve and or document information related to officer=s available, calls received, information on warrants, tag and license information. 5. Monitors alarm systems and responds to malfunctions or activation of the equipment. Monitors in station hold up and burglar alarms. Acts as desk clerk in information center for police department. Receives, logs and secures bonds or payment for fines. 6. Contacts wrecker units for service. 7. Operates a teletypewriter: entering, updating and retrieving information relating to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, etc.; must be able to type, index, log, file, and perform other clerical functions. 8. Monitors garage, reception and other areas. 9. Occasionally dispatches for City electric and water crews on weekends, evenings, or during emergency call outs. Receives and logs payments for utilities when utility office is closed. 10. Responsible for all entries into the NCIC and OLETS computer networks. Performs other duties as assigned. **EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED** High school education or equivalent, general clerical work experience of approximately two years preferred. Must be bondable. Must touch type 25 WPM. Must have experience working with computers and Windows based software. Applicants may be required to rotate shifts to meet the needs of the department. Will be required to undergo psychological evaluation using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or the California Psychological Inventory. **KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES** Must have successfully completed Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (OLETS) and be certified and licensed to use teletypewriter prior to or within 1 year of employment. Must be recertified every 2 years from OLETS. Must have knowledge of streets and geographic features in community within 3 months. Must pass test in radio broadcasting procedures and rules, department policies and procedures and other law enforcement procedures within 4 months. Ability to teletype, knowledge of computers and perform general clerical skills including typing skills. Ability to main…