Communications Officer

About the role

This position answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatches police, firefighting, medical, rescue, animal control, and/or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer-aided dispatch systems and crime information databases.

Responsibilities

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions
• Projects positive support of the City organizations at all times
• Interviews callers and analyzes details
• Prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond
• Dispatches calls for service
• Relays pertinent information to first responders concisely
• Provides information and assistance to the public within the scope of authority
• Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters
• Maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units
• Monitors radio and phone traffic and relays updated vital information to first responders
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through TCIC & NCIC
• Initiates inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information
• Enters data for records and reports
• Processes forms and record files
• Queries various specialized databases as required
• Notifies supervisory personnel on critical incidents
• Follows all Department policies and procedures to ensure that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority
• Maintains confidentiality as proscribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives
• Search prisoners at the request of the arresting officer
• Maintains and updates jail log
• Coincides inmate packets
• Delivers meals, medication, and sanitary supplies to inmates
• Washes jail laundry as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Possess a valid driver's license
• High school graduation or equivalent
• At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9-1-1 dispatch work environment
• Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), or ability to earn certification within one (1) year of employment
• Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and a CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months

Qualifications

• Active Shooter (Assailant) Training Course
• Monthly Continuing Education Certifications

Skills

• Communications Training Officer Certification
• Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification
• Crisis Communications Certification

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Deferred Compensation plan
• Direct deposit
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Personal leave
• Sick leave
• Voluntary products
• Employee Assistance Program

Pay

$6,000 Deductible HSA Plan (up to a $3,000 HRA reimbursement + HSA City Contributions)

$2,500 Deductible EPO Plan

Schedule

9-1-1 Telecommunicators work days, evenings, and nights (selected by seniority)