Public Safety Communications Supervisor

Salary

$6,256.00 - $7,606.00

About the role

Under direction of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, supervises the Communications section of the Police Department. In addition, this position also requires the supervisor to receive 911 emergency police and non-emergency calls. Dispatches officers to assignments according to established public safety procedures based upon the interpretation of incoming calls. Trains Public Safety Communications Dispatchers. Operates various telecommunications center equipment in a highly stressful assignment.

Responsibilities

• Directs personnel by assigning tasks, assists clerical staff in setting priorities and resolving problems, conflicts, and complaints both interdepartmental and from the public.
• Oversees record custody and determines applicability of information released by dispatch personnel and approves/denies release of records information in criminal matters and assures only authorized individuals have access.
• Responsible for day-to-day activities of the Communications section.
• Audits filing systems to assure correct filling of arrest information and reports.
• Manages the dispatch work schedules to ensure adequate staffing and minimize overtime, including the scheduling of sick leave relief, etc.
• Evaluates performance of assigned personnel and maintains attendance and performance records.
• Coordinates repairs of equipment and of the installations and upgrades of equipment including but not limited to 911 equipment, dispatch radio, computer systems, telephone system, etc.
• Assigns daily tasks to assigned personnel.
• Assists staff in setting priorities for their work to insure deadlines are meet and necessary projects are completed on time.
• Investigates and resolves complaints such as work problems, interdivisional conflicts or pubic complaints.
• Recommends procedures for dispatch personnel to ensure a smooth flow of information, and high quality and quantity of productivity.
• Supervises ordering of dispatch supplies, forms and equipment. Ensure bills are paid promptly and correctly.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration and prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations.
• Determines applicability of information released to citizens or other agencies.
• Exchanges information with other agencies concerning the development of common procedures and maintains cooperative working relationships with a variety of law enforcement and justice system agencies.
• Receives and evaluates all 911 calls, police and fire emergency and non-emergency calls, and business calls.
• Dispatches police units and animal control units to emergency or non emergency locations.
• Provides dispatching and communications services to Municipal Code Enforcement Officer, Probation Officers, and Community Service Officer Personnel.
• Operates multi-channel radio system, maintaining radio contact with mobile and portable units.
• Recognizes units from other agencies and assists them with City units or supplies requested information.
• Transfers non- emergency and business calls to appropriate parties.
• Manages telephone inquiries and complaints.
• Logs and fills out call forms and maintains records of radio calls and monitors radio traffic.
• Calls out appropriate technicians to make repairs on malfunctioning equipment.
• Responds to officer initiated radio traffic and requests and disseminates suspect information.
• Monitors closed circuit security cameras.
• Maintains and accesses business and premise history and indexes files for emergency and other necessary contacts.
• Handles in-house and radio paging activities and other after-hours phone lines.
• Maintains a variety of bulletins, lists, ledgers, logs, and files containing information needed by officers in the field.
• Makes necessary copies of video or audio recordings for Attorneys.
• Dispenses information contained therein upon request of officers or their supervisors.
• Changes communications audio tapes to provide continuous record of police department emergency communications, and maintains tapes in accordance with current law and procedure.
• Provides court testimony.
• Interfaces with police command staff concerning shift issues.
• Assists Custodial Officers with matron duties, clerical requirements, inmate searches, obtaining urine samples and taking photographs of inmates.
• Provides training to Public Safety Dispatchers and ensures training is updated as required by POST.
• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Supervisory skills needed to effectively supervise communication's division.
• Principles and practices of PC's and related software.
• Operation of dispatch communications equipment.
• Use of oral and written English, spelling punctuation and composition.
• Record keeping principles and practices.
• Operation of standard office equipment.
• Police terminology and related emergency radio and telephone communications procedures.

Skilled in:

• Reading, interpreting and applying procedures and policies.
• Performing detailed work.
• Assessing and prioritizing emergency situations and information.
• Attending to multiple and simultaneous activities and information sources.
• Operating standard office equipment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Communicating with the public.
• Preparing reports.
• Reading and interpreting street maps.
• Scheduling work and time off, and counselling of employees.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Operate a PC and related software
• Maintain effective working relationships
• Pass an initial comprehensive background investigation.
• Wear standardized apparel
• Function within a structured "chain-of-command" environment.
• Operate a keyboard with a tested speed of at least 40 words per minute.
• Read, understand, interpret, and apply established City dispatching codes, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Apply principles, practices, and techniques used in public safety dispatching to available City equipment.
• Operate a complex radio dispatch/information system.
• Remain calm and focused and make rapid judgments under sustained highly stressful emergency conditions.
• Understand and comply with broadcasting procedures and FCC regulations.

Education and experience

• High School Diploma or an equivalent certificate or diploma recognized by the State of California.
• Associate's Degree or two (2) full academic years of attendance at an accredited college or university with a major or emphasis in criminology, law enforcement/administration of justice, behavioral science or related field, preferred.
• Possess a Certificate of Graduation from a Public Safety Dispatcher Training Course.
• Graduation from an armed forces radio school, preferred.
• Familiarity with police terminology, preferred.
• Two (2) to four (4) years of experience in a dispatching role with a law enforcement agency, other radio dispatching role, armed forces radio experience, or serving as a reserve peace officer with a police or sheriff department is preferred.
• One (1) year of lead or supervisory experience or experience as a dispatch operations trainer, required.
• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holiday shifts on a rotational basis, and remain on duty or respond to recall when paged and physically available in order to maintain minimum staffing levels.
• Maintain a valid California Driver License with a driving record acceptable to the City.

Selection process

• Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in the interview and testing processes.
• Reference checks, Live Scan, background investigations, psychological testing, and pre-employment physicals including drug testing are part of the employment process and background standards.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.