Police Communication Officer

About the role

Under general supervision, processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, firefighting, medical, rescue, animal control or other emergency equipment, by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer aided dispatch systems (CAD) and crime information databases; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions;
• Analyzes conflicting and/or limited location information in order to direct first responders to the emergency scene;
• 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 in a concise manner;
• Provides information and assistance to the public within scope of authority;
• Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters;
• Maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units;
• Continuously 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;
• Activates protective protocols for first responders by providing life-safety information during responses such as active shooter, MAYDAY, and officer down calls;
• Negotiates with and defuses emotional callers including suicidal subjects or hostage takers;
• Notifies supervisory personnel on critical incidents;
• Follows all Department policies and procedures to assure that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority;
• Maintains confidentiality as proscribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives;
• Has frequent contact with employees, citizens, local state, federal agencies, and other city departments.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• City policies and procedures;
• Equipment utilized in law enforcement communications including radio, computer, and dispatch equipment;
• National Incident Management and the Incident Command System;
• Law enforcement patrol procedures;
• City geographical area, road systems, and the locations of landmarks;
• Police and Fire Departments’ standard dispatch policies and procedures;
• Basic laws and regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement agency records;
• Law enforcement and fire agency reports and records including retention and confidentiality requirements.

Education, Experience, Certificates, And Licenses Required

• A High school graduation or equivalent and completion of TCOLE Telecommunicator License Course;
• A Valid Class C Texas driver license and the ability to maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Benefits

• Medical insurance;
• Prescription coverage with generic prescriptions covered 100%;
• Dental insurance;
• Vision insurance;
• Basic life insurance and Accidental death and dismemberment insurance equal to one times your annual salary up to a plan maximum of $250,000;
• Optional short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance;
• Retirement benefits through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 7 % employee contribution and a 2:1 City match;
• Paid Time Off (PTO), based on education level and prior years of similar work experience, earned on an accrual basis, and made available to you upon hire;
• 96 hours per year of individual catastrophic sick time off (ICS), for catastrophic illness;
• 12 (twelve) city-paid holidays;
• Gym membership - reimbursed up to $35 per month ($15 for membership and $20 if you attend 10 times a month).
• Cash awards for participation in the Wellness plan.
• $100 per year of service awarded annually as longevity pay, after the first full year of employment.
• Several optional, rich benefits which are fully competitive within the metroplex.