Communications Officer

City of Forney; Forney (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Forney is seeking a Dispatcher responsible for managing emergency and non-emergency calls. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills to prioritize and dispatch appropriate responses. Required qualifications include a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and experience in a call center or dispatch environment. Certifications in telecommunications are preferred. This role emphasizes confidentiality and critical information management within a public safety context.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9-1-1 dispatch work environment.
• Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and radio transmissions.
• Interview callers, prioritize calls for service, and dispatch appropriate personnel.
• Monitor and relay updated vital information to first responders.

Skills

Emergency call handling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Education

High school graduation or equivalent

Tools

TCIC & NCIC systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions; analyzes conflicting and/or limited location information to direct first responders to the emergency scene; projects positive support of the City organizations at all times.
• Interviews callers and analyzes details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches calls for service; relays pertinent information to first responders concisely; provides information and assistance to the public within the scope of authority.
• Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters; maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units; continuously monitors radio and phone traffic and relays updated vital information to first responders.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through TCIC & NCIC; initiates inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information.
• Enters data for records and reports; processes forms and record files; queries various specialized databases as required.
• Notifies supervisory personnel on critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures so that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority.
• Maintains confidentiality as proscribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives.
• Searches prisoners at the request of the arresting officer; monitors jail operations; maintains and updates jail log; coordinates inmate packets; delivers meals, medication, and sanitary supplies to inmates; washes jail laundry as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Directly Held

No direct supervision exercised.

Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.
• High school graduation or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9‑1‑1 dispatch work environment; OR
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), or ability to earn certification within one (1) year of employment.

Special Requirements

Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and a CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months.

Preferred Certifications

• Communications Training Officer Certification
• Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification
• Crisis Communications Certification
• Active Shooter (Assailant) Training Course
• Monthly Continuing Education Certifications