Public Safety Dispatcher - Experienced

About the role

The Public Safety Dispatcher reports to the Shift Supervisor and is responsible for receiving and dispatching calls for emergency and non-emergency services involving Police, Fire and EMS needs in the ECDC member cities. The role requires independent judgment, problem-solving skills, high levels of communications, and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Functions of the job

• Answer calls for emergencies (telephone or radio) in a courteous manner;
• Respond to telephone inquiries and complaints from the general public, other agencies and member agencies by directing the person to the appropriate agency, dispatching an officer or providing the requested information;
• Dispatch Police, Fire and EMS based on information received by telephone, alarm system/company, radio or on-view by units in the field;
• Maintain contact with all in-service Police, Fire and EMS units and document changes in their status;
• Provide criminal history, vehicle information and driver's information through REJIS;
• Work rotating shifts with other dispatchers to maintain minimum staffing, 24 hours a day;
• Remain current with ongoing events, changes in procedure and problems involving the ability for the ECDC to provide service;
• Review policy and procedures manual on a routine basis and forward recommendations to the Shift Supervisor for action;
• Make notifications as necessary to support field units in their mission;
• Report promptly for duty to relieve the on-duty shift at the designated time, receiving all special orders, work or assignments which may need to be handled during their shift.

Qualifications

• High School Degree or GED equivalency;
• Type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance;
• Emergency medical Dispatching (EMD) certification through a national agency preferred;
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain MULES/NCIC certification within training period;
• At least 3 years' experience dispatching first responders within the last 5 years;
• Knowledge of police and fire technology, rules and regulations operating manuals relating to communications systems;
• Knowledge on the procedures and policies pertaining to the dispatching of emergency equipment;
• Knowledge of emergency telephone and radio communications procedures;
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position;
• Knowledge of city streets and geography;
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology;
• Skills in the analysis of problems solving;
• Skills in the response to emergency situations;
• Skills in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports;
• Skills in oral and written communication;
• Skills in multi-tasking;
• Ability to provide credible court testimony.

Physical/Mental Activities Or Demands

• Ability to sit, for extended periods of time;
• Absorb concentrated mental and visual attention;
• Occasionally exert or lift up to 25 pounds;
• Use and capabilities of ECDC Computer Aided Dispatch System;
• Understand law enforcement technology, rules and regulations operating manuals relating to communications systems;
• Uses and capabilities of ECDC Computer Aided Dispatch System;
• Proper English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar;
• Knowledge of computers and job related software programs;
• Knowledge of city streets and geography;
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology;
• Skills in the analysis of problems solving;
• Skills in the response to emergency situations;
• Skills in the preparation of clear and precise administrative reports;
• Skills in oral and written communication;
• Skills in multi-tasking;
• Ability to provide credible court testimony.

Position Qualification Requirements

• None