Communications Officer (DPS)

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services.
• Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities.
• Researches criminal history information as required, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through the various systems.
• Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains written records and logs of shift activities.
• Composes and releases 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.
• Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems.
• Coordinates 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.
• Conducts on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Develops and conducts training programs in communications procedures and requirements; collects, prepares, organizes, and edits instructional materials such as manuals, overhead transparencies, course outlines, and cassettes.
• May serve as a member of screening boards in matters related to promotions, hiring, reinstatement and disciplinary actions; represents the agency in matters concerning user agreements and accountability for the operation and security of terminals and use of information.
• Monitors security within the communications center or the facility.

Qualifications

This is the career level of this job family where incumbents are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level as a Communications Dispatcher, performing highly responsible work in the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center. Incumbents at this level may be assigned highly independent work as the only operator on an assigned shift.

Requirements

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

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 use of criminal records
• Knowledge of agency communications policies and procedures
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures
• Knowledge of 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 the rate of twenty-five words per minute

Pay

$43,898.80

Schedule

Full time

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.