Public Safety Telecommunicator

About the role

The Public Safety Telecommunicator is employed in The University of Alabama in Huntsville Police Department Emergency Communications and Operations Center as both a 911 Call Taker and Public Safety Dispatcher. Under general supervision, the Public Safety Telecommunicator independently performs specialized and essential work in receiving and dispatching accurate information to appropriate emergency responders during, at times, highly stressful and intense situations.

Responsibilities

• Receives 911 calls on computerized telephone, cell phone, radio, and other communication systems; and refers routine calls to proper sources or responds according to departmental procedures.
• Dispatches emergency personnel according to procedures and in accordance with the nature and location of the emergency; makes radio and telephone calls to agencies and other concerned parties in the event of a major accident.
• Operates a variety of communications equipment, such as telephone, two-way radio, and computer-aided dispatch system.
• Provide skilled emergency work that involves receiving 911 calls and non-emergency requests for police assistance, determining the nature and urgency of the calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action, and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements.
• Answers inquiries regarding the District and surrounding areas, services available, and related District procedures.
• Work patiently with individuals who exhibit emotional stress or other demanding situations, determining the proper course of action.
• Respond to informational requests from personnel; utilize an assigned computer system to input data and extract information related to incidents and reports; research tickets for identification of vehicle ownership, and input ticket, appeal and hearing information into an assigned database.
• Checks for outstanding warrants or prior offenses on suspects.
• Accesses information on stolen property, vehicle registration, and other information from statewide computer networks.
• Makes sure to monitor alarm panel for fire, panic, and trouble alarms and dispatches appropriate responders.
• Uses security cameras to monitor areas of campus for potential criminal activity.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of all incoming calls concerning daily activities, services dispatched and related information; maintain records related to dispatch activities, incidents and assigned duties in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Requirements

• High school education or equivalent.
• Sufficient training and years of experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to multitask, including accurately typing a minimum of 35 words per minute on a computer keyboard with 90% accuracy.
• Able to operate effectively and efficiently during highly stressful conditions and situations for sometimes long durations.

Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations and under stress.
• Must be able to perform all call-taker and dispatcher duties.
• Some knowledge of the operation of telephone, radio, computer-assisted dispatch, and other communications equipment.
• Ability to learn the use of a multi-functional dispatch console with an integrated assortment of communications equipment, including a digital playback unit, integrated multi-functional radio/telephone system, and the Computer-Aided Dispatch system (CAD).
• Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Ability to understand callers and to differentiate and note background noises.
• Ability to speak and comprehend the police phonetic alphabet and ten codes.
• Ability to learn applicable FCC rules and regulations.
• Ability to spell accurately.
• Ability to receive and process, from multiple sources, information requiring public safety services, including other telecommunicators, field units, or electronic devices.
• Ability to transmit emergency and administrative messages over communications systems.
• Receive and process non-verbal alarms, beeps, and other audible indicators from various pieces of equipment.
• Ability to monitor the teletype system.
• Ability to constantly monitor security, fire, medical, and emergency management alarms and warning systems.
• Ability to transmit emergency and administrative messages over communications systems.
• Able to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, and any shift assigned with little to no advance notice.
• Able to work hours in excess of 16 hours straight during staffing shortages and emergencies.
• Must be able to read, understand, and retain policies and procedures.
• Must be able to pass the new-hire training program and requirements.
• Requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time and operate a multiscreen computer system while monitoring CCTV, alarm panels, and other public safety systems.

Desired Qualifications

• A technical school graduate is preferred.
• 2 or more years of work experience in a university setting as a 911 call taker or dispatcher is highly desirable.
• Computer-Aided Dispatch experience is preferred.
• APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification is highly desirable.
• Current NCIC certification is preferred.