Police Dispatch Analyst I

Under direct supervision, receives and analyzes calls and messages for police service, and dispatches resources appropriately. Provides accurate and concise information through the Computer Aided Dispatch system, police radio transmissions, and various technologies in an emergency communications center to support police field units and ensure prompt 911 response for the safety of City of Dallas residents and officers.

Responsibilities

• Determines the significance of calls and assigns the appropriate level of police resources.
• Collaborates with department supervisors to monitor and control police officer response.
• Operates a Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS) and other computer terminals.
• Monitors the location and status of all police officers on patrol at all times.
• Analyzes all data received and assigns, broadcasts, and monitors police calls according to emergency nature and departmental policy.
• Maintains constant status of field units and updates dispatch information using emergency communications technologies.
• Notifies and receives police-related information from other divisions or agencies to ensure prompt sharing and dissemination.
• Informs field officers of major incidents, hazardous situations, or locations beneficial to citizen and first responder safety.
• Handles and operates emergency communications hardware, software, computer terminals, and radio console equipment to dispatch officers efficiently.
• Engages with police personnel to ensure prompt processing of requests and provides real-time incident updates to first responders.
• Utilizes local, state, and national law enforcement databases to provide immediate, updated critical information to first responders.
• Analyzes response plans for each incident, sets up quadrants, coordinates with patrol and specialized units (K-9, Air1, SWAT), and provides resource analysis.
• Interprets information to fulfill the mission of keeping citizens and officers safe.
• Remains calm in high-stress environments.
• Reads, navigates, and interprets various mapping applications.
• Reports to work during inclement weather or when additional coverage is required in the 24x7x365 emergency operations unit.
• Performs other assigned duties as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Four (4) years of work experience in a high-traffic, high-demand customer interface call environment, with at least two (2) years in general dispatch or public safety/emergency communication dispatch.
• Must obtain NCIC/TCIC/CJIS certification during the probationary period and renew annually.
• Must obtain a Basic Telecommunicator License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) during the probationary period.
• Must obtain an Emergency Police Dispatch Certificate.
• Must obtain an Expediter/Service Desk Personnel License.
• Available to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions.
• No Class B misdemeanor convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No drug or domestic violence-related convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any felony, Class A, or Class B misdemeanor.

Exam

Exam covers data entry, memory recall, spelling, reading comprehension, sentence clarity, prioritization, map reading, cross-referencing, and call summarization skills. The CritiCall exam for this position can only be taken two (2) times within a twelve (12) month period.

Skills

• Effective verbal, written, and electronic communication.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographic layout of the City of Dallas.
• Ability to handle stress, expect the unexpected, and remain calm in all scenarios.
• Ability to respond effectively in high-pressure environments, managing emergency and non-emergency communication calmly.
• Ability to handle multiple emergency situations simultaneously.
• Skill in using analysis, judgment, and experience to make quick, sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to remain alert and sit for long periods.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment.
• Skill in making recommendations to drive improvements.
• Skill in reading and analyzing reports, extracting relevant information, and applying data to critical situations.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations on maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and manage changing problems in a fast-paced, multi-skill team environment.
• Ability to defuse escalated situations.
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to determine facts and document them accurately and concisely.
• Good analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Flexibility to work in a 24/7 call center environment, including weekends as needed.
• Active listening skills, giving full attention to callers, understanding main points, and asking relevant questions diplomatically.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and partners.

Schedule

Varying shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Must report to work during inclement weather or when additional coverage is required in the 24x7x365 emergency operations unit.