Police Communications Officer

About the Role

Under general supervision, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, and emergency services; identifies and dispatches appropriate police and security units, and gathers and relays critical information.

Responsibilities

• Provide dispatch services for the Midland Health system, following Midland County Hospital District Police Department (MCHD PD) policies and procedures to ensure the safety of Police Officers, Security Officers, hospital staff, and the public.
• Simultaneously listen to and comprehend telephone, radio, and interoffice communications while processing calls for service.
• Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls; interview callers, gather details, prioritize calls, and determine appropriate personnel to respond.
• Dispatch responders and relay pertinent information to law enforcement and security officers in a concise, organized, and understandable manner.
• Notify critical incidents to hospital personnel as required.
• Communicate effectively in all modes to protect the safety of the public and responders.
• Monitor all areas of the hospital campus using security camera systems and access control systems; identify potential security and/or safety risks and report them for resolution.
• Comprehend and apply state laws, municipal ordinances, organizational policies, and procedures.
• Keep track of law enforcement and security resources, personnel, incidents, and trends for Midland Memorial Hospital and Midland Health facilities.
• Operate a multi-channel public safety radio system, including interoperable communications with other agencies.
• Process and record requests for police, fire, and medical services using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system or manual procedures.
• Provide detailed call information to officers as needed; maintain status and awareness of MCHD PD Officer locations.
• Perform inquiries and criminal history checks through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS).
• Enter emergency assistance calls into CAD incident logs; input law enforcement and criminal justice system information into TLETS & NCIC systems.
• Document all activity, location, and status in the CAD system for public safety personnel; disseminate additional information quickly and accurately.
• Monitor and identify activations of various alarm systems, following defined department protocols.
• Contact and communicate with other law enforcement agencies, jurisdictions, and emergency services for additional information and resources.
• Perform competently under stress during emergency and critical situations.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Attend and testify in criminal and civil courts when summoned.
• Be available to work mandatory overtime as required due to manpower or emergency situations.
• Attend training, seminars, and other related events, which may require occasional overnight travel.
• Act in the absence of the shift supervisor as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of customer service experience, preferably in a high-volume call center; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with CAD/RMS systems preferred.
• Must pass a typing test with a minimum of 22 words per minute.
• Some college education preferred.
• Must effectively communicate in verbal, written, and digital formats with the public, outside entities, and various levels of the organization.
• Must maintain absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Must submit to a pre-employment polygraph examination and complete a TCOLE Personal History Statement.
• Must undergo an extensive background investigation, polygraph, and psychological examination; employment contingent upon successful completion.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Disqualifiers

Below is a list of occurrences that may disqualify an applicant either permanently or for a specified period:

• Conviction of a Class A or Class B misdemeanor under the Penal Code or equivalent under federal law (including UCMJ) within ten (10) years results in temporary rejection.
• Conviction of or admission to conduct constituting a felony under state or federal law (including UCMJ) results in permanent disqualification.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Must obtain a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicators License and TLETS/NCIC systems certification within one year of hire.
• High school diploma or GED certificate required.
• CPR certification required.
• TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate and TX Telecommunicator License required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
• Texas Driver’s License, Class C.
• US Citizenship required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to learn and follow Midland Memorial Hospital and MCHD PD policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of personal computers and related law enforcement communications equipment.
• Familiarity with local and regional geographical areas, road systems, and locations of landmarks and buildings.
• Understanding of principles of record keeping, case files, and records management.
• Knowledge of legal system and law enforcement agency terminology, applicable state and federal rules, codes, and regulations.
• Understanding of modern public safety principles, procedures, and operations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Ability to concentrate on assigned tasks through distractions.
• Skill in obtaining accurate information from hostile or emotional callers.
• Effective communication, both verbal and written, and ability to relay details accurately.
• Ability to recall names, numbers, and locations, and read maps quickly and accurately.
• Proficiency in operating a personal computer using specialized software and entering information with speed and accuracy.
• Strong public relations and customer service skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, lift, see, speak, and hear.
• Lifting limited to 35 lbs. for clinical staff and 50 lbs. for non-clinical staff; must use an assisted-lift device or get assistance for lifts exceeding these limits.
• Work is performed in a fast-paced, high-volume call center environment.
• Subject to sitting, standing, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
• Ability to safely pull, push, lift, and carry items weighing up to forty (40) pounds.
• May be required to work immediately before, during, or after an emergency or disaster.
• Must be able to work in low-light conditions and discern distinct colors used by a computer-aided dispatch system.
• Must be able to work in a confined area for 12+ hours and remain seated for long periods while entering data into various computer systems.

Schedule

PRN, shifts as needed.