District Police, Dispatcher

Job Description:

Description of Duties and Tasks

1) Dispatches patrol officers situations requiring police response.

2) Answers telephone calls made to emergency and non-emergency phone lines to determine if the call requires Police, Fire, EMS, or other agency response.
3) Communicates with officers via police radio. Assists in maintaining 24/7 communications operations.
4) Enters, obtains and relays information from the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System.
5) Monitors fire and security alarms for all campuses.
6) Monitors video surveillance cameras for all campuses.
7) Enters data and citations, maintains daily logs, and files incident reports.
8) Assists Police Chief, supervisors, officers, and other law enforcement agencies via computer or telephone with receiving and relaying information.
9) Assists in emergency phone and panic alarm testing.
10) May enter maintenance and technical support work orders, pick up, sort and distribute department mail.

Knowledge

* Radio communication practices and protocols.
* Knowledge of college's and college Police Department policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
* Knowledge of the operations of an emergency communications center.

Skills

* Maintaining an established work schedule, which may include days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
* Maintaining confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
* Effectively using interpersonal and communications skills, including tact and diplomacy.
* Effectively using organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
* Effectively interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
* Interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
* Operating telephones, radios, computers, alpha-numeric pager and other office equipment.
* Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
* Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
* Effectively multi-tasking.

Technology Skills

* Use a variety of spreadsheet, word processing, database, and presentation software.
* Operates various computer systems to include Computer Aided Dispatch, Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Sytem, BRG Emergency Messaging System, CCure Access Control System, Cisco Emergency Responder, Video Client-Salient, Phoenix Fire and Security System, etc.
* Operates multi-channel trunked radio system covering multiple counties.
* Operates police radio system in accordance with FCC Rules & Regulations.

Required Work Experience

* No work experience is required.

Preferred Work Experience

* One year work experience in public safety dispatch telecommunications or equivalent work experience and training that provides the required knowledge and skills.

Required Education

* High school diploma or educational equivalent.

Preferred Education

* Hold a Telecommunications Operator License issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Special Requirements

* Either already have a Telecommunications Operator License issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement or be able to meet the temporary licensing requirements, satisfactorily complete the required course, and obtain a Telecommunications Operator License within the first year of employment.
* Be able to satisfactorily complete other required Department of Public Safety training and coursework within six months of employment.
* Be able to successfully pass 12 week Communications Training Program.
* Dispatchers must complete 20 hours of training each 2 year unit as required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
* Dispatchers must complete TDD/TTY training every 6 months.
* District Police dispatchers must be able to work any of three shifts covering twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Shifts are subject to change on short notice; dispatchers must be available for recall in emergency situations.

* Ability to successfully complete criminal background check, drug screen, and psychological and physical examinations prior to employment. Past supervisors may be interviewed for a reference.

*Have a valid Texas Drivers License

*Have reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

* Work is performed in a standard office environment.
* Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, vision, hearing, talking, use of headset and foot controls.
* Frequent repetitive motion, such as typing, data entry and extended vision of monitors.
* Occasional lifting of objects up to 10 pounds.

Safety

* Work safely and follow safety rules. Report unsafe working conditions and behavior. Take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent others from engaging in unsafe practices.