Telecommunicator I

About the role

This position responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service by dispatching police units, monitoring call status, and maintaining contact with all appropriate emergency service agencies. The role requires professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality while coordinating communication during emergency and non-emergency scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public by dispatching police response; communicate with callers to obtain accurate and essential information.
• Handle multiple emergency calls simultaneously; analyze collected information to determine the appropriate response unit.
• Use two-way radio, telephone messages, and multi-line phone systems to coordinate responses.
• Enter call information into the computer using a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and NCIC/ACJIC systems; ensure accuracy of entered information while maintaining contact with the reporting party.
• Continually relay and record accurate, updated information to necessary parties to assist with establishing priority and timely response to calls.
• Notify supervisor of all emergency and serious complaints and calls.
• Enter new warrants into the computer system; purge warrant recalls from the database; perform driver’s license checks on new warrants to retrieve expiration dates.
• Retrieve criminal and driver histories for officers, jail staff, and the court system as needed.
• Monitor camera systems for the security of employees, visitors, and prisoners.
• Receive and dispatch calls for animal control.
• Assist other police divisions as necessary when not actively responding to a call.
• Serve as receptionist and switchboard operator; receive and disburse phone messages as necessary.
• Attend training and/or meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four months of previous experience and/or training in radio communications, public safety dispatching, or personal computer operations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid State of Alabama driver’s license.
• Valid NCIC Terminal Operator certification.
• Alabama Public Safety Communications Officer (APCO) certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic functions.
• Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, laws, ordinances, and operating procedures.
• Skill in operating, maneuvering, and controlling equipment, machinery, tools, and materials used in essential functions.
• Skill in technical computer applications such as CAD and GIS.
• Skill in operating two-way radio and multi-line phone systems.
• Ability to calculate and tabulate data, including performing subsequent actions related to these operations.
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and interpretation regarding procedures and standards.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data.
• Ability to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagrammatic form, involving semi-routine standardized work with latitude for independent judgment.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor while managing emergency situations.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergency calls.
• Ability to utilize multiple software systems or databases while using a phone line and/or radio simultaneously.

Physical Demands

The work is light, requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force. Tasks involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, as well as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects of moderate weight. The role requires the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues, as well as communicate orally.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.