Des Moines Law Enforcement Dispatcher/Communications Center Specialist 2

About the role

The Iowa Department of Public Safety seeks individuals who can act as the critical link between emergency calls and first responders. This role involves handling public safety and criminal justice information via phone, two-way radio, and digital systems. Decisions made by the Communications Center Specialists directly impact the safety of law enforcement and the public.

Responsibilities

• Elicit critical information from private citizens and partner agencies, ensuring accurate data is relayed to the appropriate law enforcement or emergency personnel.
• Maintain ongoing contact with investigative officers to ensure situational awareness and officer safety during potentially dangerous interactions.
• Monitor, identify, and report issues with the computerized switching system and coordinate timely repairs.
• Receive and enter road condition reports and towed vehicle updates into the statewide computer system.
• Operate two-way radios, telephones, and law enforcement data systems to support real-time communication with police, fire, and medical services.
• Retrieve and relay confidential records from the IOWA System, NCIC, and NLETS to authorized officials.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation.
• Must pass a physical and psychological evaluation provided by the Department of Public Safety (includes vision corrected to 20/20, normal hearing with minimal loss, and normal speech).
• Candidates are encouraged to also apply to Law Enforcement Dispatcher/Communications Center Specialist 1 (26-03508).

Qualifications

• Two years of full-time experience in a public safety communications role; OR equivalent education/experience (30 semester hours in law enforcement = 1 year of experience, max 2 years substitution); OR one year of full-time experience as a Communications Center Specialist 1 within the State of Iowa.

Skills

Clear, calm, and professional communication under stress, strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills, the ability to work flexible, irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays, a strong sense of integrity, discretion, and teamwork, familiarity with Iowa geography or the ability to learn it quickly, and a commitment to public safety and the mission of DPS.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and life insurance
• Nine paid holidays, plus generous paid vacation and sick leave starting on your first day
• Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS) defined benefit program
• Professional development opportunities, including paid training, certifications, and conferences
• Employee discounts through various vendors
• A collaborative and positive workplace culture where your work truly matters

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Flexible, irregular hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.