Communications Officer (DPS)

Full-time, regular position with the Department of Public Safety.

About the role

Positions in this job family are responsible for operating communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center and providing information to law enforcement officials, other agencies, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio communication equipment and dispatch messages on an assigned shift, providing a communications link for field personnel, agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials, and related emergency services.
• Operate teletype and computer systems to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Interpret and relay information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, law violations, and other criminal activities.
• Research criminal history information, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through various systems.
• Make immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received and disseminate it to field personnel, agency officials, and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Maintain written records and logs of shift activities.
• Compose and release messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions, and similar situations to field offices, news media, and other law enforcement, civil defense, and emergency services.
• Plan, organize, and direct communication center operations and programs; assist in developing agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning communications equipment, staff, and systems.
• Coordinate operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials.
• Conduct on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Develop and conduct training programs in communications procedures and requirements; collect, prepare, organize, and edit instructional materials such as manuals, overhead transparencies, course outlines, and cassettes.
• May serve as a member of screening boards for promotions, hiring, reinstatement, and disciplinary actions; represent the agency in matters concerning user agreements and accountability for the operation and security of terminals and information use.
• Monitor security within the communications center or facility.

Requirements

• Citizenship of the United States of America.
• Good moral character.
• High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalency certificate.
• At least 18 years of age.

Skills

• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications.
• Knowledge of OLETS, NLETS, and NCIC operating manuals.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws concerning the use of criminal records.
• Knowledge of agency communications policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Ability to maintain operating efficiency under emergency and stressful conditions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to follow complex written instructions.
• Ability to type accurately from plain copy at a rate of 25 words per minute.

Pay

Annual salary of $43,898.80.