Telecommunicator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs specialized communications functions in the Town’s police communications center and in police computer records management; performs related work as required.

Essential Duties

(Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

• Receives routine and 911 emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning criminal offenses, civil processes, and other matters involving public safety.
• Inputs calls for service into CAD and dispatch officers to appropriate location. Provides emergency communication for the Town’s Police Department. Coordinates and handles ration traffic from officers.
• Provides information concerning the location of residences, businesses, roads and streets.
• Operates the computer terminal and printer connected with the Division of Criminal Information, other law enforcement agencies, the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, DMV and the National Crime Information Center to obtain driver’s history, vehicle registration data, and criminal record information.
• Maintains various required communications and operations logs including tape log of communications. Changes tape on log as required.
• Maintain log and enters data into computer of all police events.
• Types, processes, and files assigned police records including maintaining the police computer data base.
• Compiles data and prepares various police reports which are files with other agencies or is used by the Police Chief for departmental activity reports on a regular basis.
• Provides administrative support for police personnel operations, as needed.
• Monitor Milestone cameras.
• Make daily check of senior citizens on call list.
• May answer other Town telephone lines as required.
• May be assigned duties in departmental budget preparation, train new telecommunicators. On occasion one or more positions may act in some capacity as communication supervisor in the absence of that person as delegated.
• May be assigned to maintain the software and hardware of the personal computer system used by the Police Telecommunications Division and updates or oversees the updating of the system.
• Makes repairs or calls in vendors to make repairs on the computer system if needed.
• Cleans and maintains the dispatch office area.
• Gives assistance to the public (walk-ins) as required.
• Performs various other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of Town streets, locations and general layout of the Town.
• Good working knowledge of the operation of a two-way radio communications system and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.
• Good working knowledge of police records management systems including computer assisted systems.
• Skill in the operation of assigned radio communications equipment.
• Ability to accurately transmit radio communications.
• Ability to assess people and situations and use judgment in decision-making.
• Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons in a distressed or confused condition.
• Ability to maintain calm in stressful situations and to handle stressed and sometime difficult callers.
• Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and politely.
• Ability to learn radio communications code signals.
• Ability to perform responsible records and report duties.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

Education and Experience

Successful completion of a standard state recognized high school course. Some experience in customer service preferably with radio communications and police records management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Equipment Operated

DCI computer and printer, police radio and console, telephone, multi-camera systems including license plate readers, desktop computer with multiple monitors, and other assigned communications equipment.

Special Requirements

Possession of the DCI operator’s certificate and an appropriate valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Not adverse, however, work can be characterized as pressure-sensitive and stressful.

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.