26-055 Public Safety Dispatcher - Full-Time

Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible to be thoroughly familiar with the department's procedures relating to the use of radio and other communications equipment and to maintain the computerized/manual call for service systems as well as the activity log
• Answer all telephone calls promptly and appropriately, and assist all complainants in a calm, civil, and professional manner
• Cook up police, fire and ambulance activities at the scene of crimes, motor vehicle accidents fire scenes etc
• Dispatch police, fire and ambulance units as necessary and required
• Evaluate medical emergency situations and provide necessary assistance within the scope of training and procedure
• Be thoroughly familiar with emergency procedures that relate to matters requiring urgent police and fire attention so as to be capable of activating them immediately
• Acquire a thorough knowledge of the location and layout of streets, buildings, parks, housing areas and other significant areas of the community so as to maximize the accuracy and speed of dispatch
• Dispatch security, medical alert and fire alarms and dispatch appropriate response units
• Ensure that personnel who have been dispatched on calls are fully informed of all facts effecting the safety and efficiency of their response to the call
• Inform the Shift Commander when contact with an officer on patrol can not be made after a reasonable amount of time
• Maintain equipment, especially the emergency call lines in working order and immediately report any malfunction or defect to the Communications Bureau Commander
• Record all significant communications as required by departmental procedures
• Maintain the departmental daily log insuring an accurate recording of calls received and other significant events
• Explain departmental policy to the public when relative to the provision of police services
• Properly re-route calls for service where the offense/incident occurred in another jurisdiction
• Perform other duties as may be required
• Perform other related duties as required by the Chief of Police

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements

• Ability to operate complicated computerized communications equipment and utilize computerized dispatching systems under stressful situations
• Ability to effectively prioritize emergency situations and requests for police and fire services
• Ability to project a calm, confident appearance under stress
• Knowledge of the street system and the geography of the Dover area as well as the ability to direct individuals to locations within the community
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely and to provide detailed information/instructions to personnel/citizens under stressful circumstances
• Possess emotional stability and the ability to work in a stressful, highly responsible environment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in an emergency situation
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed
• Ability to demonstrate a knowledge of public safety practices and procedures
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to view monitoring equipment within the communications center
• Ability to interact successfully with the news media
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Knowledge of warrants of arrest and related items sufficient to allow for confirmation of wanted persons
• Knowledge of department records systems
• Ability to prepare in depth police reports
• Ability to project confidence to the public
• The ability to quickly and accurately evaluate situations and provide for the proper response or course of action

Education/Licensure/Certification Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED required
• A two- or four-year degree from an accredited college is preferred