Employment Type : Full-Time
JOB
Entry Salary - $36,286.64 AnnuallyUnder general supervision, the Police Telecommunicator receive and takes both emergency (including 911 and text-to-911) and non-emergency calls, inputs information into computerized systems and communicates information to emergency personnel in the field. Coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to emergency and non-emergency situations. Manages the activities of numerous officers and prioritizes incidents in a stressful, fast-paced environment.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Aides, assists, and coordinates the activities of police officers working incidents and situations within the City; answers 911 line, engages with citizens, and dispatches personnel where needed.Answers and receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches calls for service based upon call prioritization; disseminates and communicates information to officers using a police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.Monitors and manages officers location and status; checks locations officers are being sent to for cautions or hazards and advises officers; maintains communication with officers while on calls to ensure safety and dispatches back-up officer(s) if needed or requested; provides assistance and support for officers in the field.Answers, responds, and engages with various callers; gathers vital information for officers from callers in various stages of emotional distress; communicates with victims of crimes and maintains composure, tact, and professionalism when handling challenging situations and gathering critical information.Provides professional and effective communication between multiple agencies in split jurisdiction situations; assists with information gathering and communication and facilitates teamwork.Runs checks for warrants and other required information for field officers utilizing the FCIC/NCIC system; provides information on stolen vehicles, stolen articles, missing people and other field requests.Contacts local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide or receive information.May provide training for new Telecommunicator personnel; monitors training activities and tracks performance and evaluates skill; completes necessary paperwork to track training activities performed.Riding and observing with patrol officers in accordance with current training procedures.Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment: A valid State driver's license is required.State Mandated 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within a one-year period.FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification. This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides: Fax, copier, radio, phone, personal computer & related software, and other equipment as assigned. Employees selected for this position must meet FDLE guidelines in order to access sensitive and/or confidential information. Applicants with arrest histories for felonies or serious misdemeanors may be denied access to this information and as such, will not meet the minimum qualifications for a position with the City of Clearwater. Education and Experience: High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND six (6) months vocational training supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a police communications center using a CAD system, telephones, radios and the National Law Enforcement Teletype System OR satisfactory completion of the City of Clearwater Police Communications Operator Trainee program; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of –Proficiency in business English and spellingVarious computer programs and databasesOffice practices, procedures, and equipmentDispatching activities including radio communicationsPolice department practices and proceduresFlorida Laws, City of Clearwater and Pinellas County ordinances, and regulationsRecord keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and recordsGeneral office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment Skill in –Multitasking and handling intense or concerning situationsUnderstanding and applying lawsPrioritizing calls based on level of emergencyReading maps and giving directionCommunicating effectively with police and other agenciesCompleting tasks given both orally and in writingAbility to type at least 35 words per minuteTraining Telecommunicator personnelEstablishing and maintaining strong office relationshipsHandling emergencies/stress/shifting priorities with tact and professionalismOperating multiple computers/software simultaneouslyAfter a background review has been completed, those applicants that are selected will be required to set up a 2 hr. observation period in communications. Applicants wishing to further pursue this process with take the Criticall test at the conclusion of their observation. Applicants should allow 4 hours during this period to complete the process.