Police Communications Operator I

Classification Title

Police Communications Operator I

About the Role

Provide radio communication support to sworn and non-sworn department personnel, maintain communication links, receive and evaluate calls, input and transmit call information, refer callers, contact parties, update and monitor law enforcement statuses, and retrieve data.

Responsibilities

• Operate the communications center, providing radio communication support.
• Maintain radio/telephone communication link between field officers and base station, supervisors, emergency services, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Receive and evaluate calls from the public requesting police assistance.
• Input and transmit call information using a computer-assisted dispatch system or a manual card system.
• Refer callers to appropriate agencies or extensions.
• Contact appropriate parties to notify them of complaints and/or actions required.
• Use a computer-assisted dispatch system to update and monitor law enforcement statuses, transmit requests for emergency services, and retrieve various data and records.
• Quickly and accurately recognize letters, numbers, addresses, names, and license numbers received by radio, telephone, or a computer monitor.
• Complete emergency notification messages for in-progress or dangerous situations that immediately threaten the health and safety of the campus community.
• Query and disseminate driver license records, vehicle registrations, stolen article files, warrants, criminal histories, and missing persons’ listings using various criminal justice and public safety computer systems.
• Enter and modify records in state and national computer databases.
• Compose and transmit messages to other agencies.
• Monitor all applicable alarm systems, including security and fire alarm activations on the Lenel, SIS, RMS, and UFTR alarm systems.
• Obtain and/or verify other information required by law enforcement officers using computer systems, two-way radio communications, and telephone.
• Contact other public safety agencies to obtain assistance (as needed).
• Prepare various departmental logs, reports, and forms.
• Complete occasional face-to-face training for more effective and efficient employee development.
• Support during large events such as home football games, including providing pre-game and post-game communications in the center, covering booking rooms, barricades, parking lots, elevators, and traffic direction.
• May also include stadium assignments such as coverage for booking rooms, barricades, parking lots, elevators, and traffic direction.
• Provide support to special events in various capacities.
• Work 80 hours in two weeks, with 50+ hours on the first week and 20+ hours on the second week.
• Handle several activities simultaneously.
• Make quick and correct decisions, functioning effectively and efficiently in high-stress emergencies.
• Compile and compare written logs and reports.
• Perform basic arithmetical calculations.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Coordinate and disseminate information accurately.
• Maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods.
• Speak clearly.
• Listen effectively.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Type 35 words per minute proficiently.
• Memorize and retain relevant signals, codes, and rules.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of relevant experience.
• Public Safety Telecommunicator State Certification may substitute for an equivalent rate of experience.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
• Florida Department of Health Public Safety Telecommunicator (911 Emergency Dispatcher) state certification.
• State certification on the NCIC/FCIC computer system.

Qualifications

• One year of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of the appropriate methods of dealing with people in emergencies/crisis situations.
• Knowledge of dispatch protocols, procedures, and techniques used in the operation of the public safety communications center.
• Knowledge of streets, buildings, and UF geography.
• Knowledge of complex electronic and telecommunications equipment commonly used in public safety.

Skills

• Proficient typing skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong situational awareness skills.
• Strong active listening skills.
• Call control skills to get needed information.
• Interviewing skills.
• Versatile verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task, performing several activities simultaneously.
• Ability to make quick and correct decisions, functioning effectively and efficiently in high-stress emergencies.
• Ability to handle several activities simultaneously.
• Ability to respond to the public in a courteous, professional manner.
• Ability to compile and compare written logs and reports.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetical calculations.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to coordinate and disseminate information accurately.
• Ability to maintain composure, alertness, and concentration while working for extended periods.
• Ability to speak clearly.
• Ability to listen effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute proficiently.
• Ability to memorize and retain relevant signals, codes, and rules.

Physical Qualifications

• Ability to see in normal visual range with or without correction.
• Ability to hear in normal audio range with or without correction, and over background noise.
• Ability/mobility to work in an emergency dispatch center.
• Ability to stand and sit for prolonged periods.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and lift occasionally.
• Ability to carry, push, and/or pull a light to moderate amount of weight.
• Ability to lift or move barricades occasionally (during overtime assignments).
• Ability to operate office equipment that requires repetitive typing, hand movement, and fine eye/hand/foot coordination.

Other Qualifications

• Sharp situational awareness.
• Attention to details.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong team cohesiveness.
• Self-managed.

Special Instructions

• To Applicants: This position requires a criminal background check.
• This position requires a post-offer 7-panel drug screening for accreditation purpose.
• Must be willing to work shift work; holidays, weekends, overtime.
• Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
• This position is eligible for veteran's preference.
• If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration.
• See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.
• Health Assessment Required: No.