Communications Officer (DPS)

State of Oklahoma; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety seeks a Communications Officer to operate dispatch and radio systems, relay information to field personnel and agencies, and support public safety communications.

The role emphasizes accuracy, rapid decision-making, and adherence to procedures while coordinating with other divisions and agencies to ensure continuous, reliable communications during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations for radio communications.
• Familiarity with OLETS, NLETS and NCIC operating manuals.
• Understanding of state and federal criminal-record laws and agency policies.
• Clear written and verbal communication; accurate typing (25 wpm).

Responsibilities

• Operate radio and teletype systems; dispatch messages on assigned shifts.
• Research criminal history data and relay information to field personnel.
• Prepare messages on accidents, emergencies and weather for distribution.
• Maintain logs and records of shift activities.
• Coordinate with divisions and agencies on operational matters.

Skills

Radio operations

Emergency communications

OLETS/NLETS/NCIC

Legal/regulatory knowledge

Writing and grammar

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting Title

Communications Officer (DPS)

Agency

585 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Supervisory Organization

Dept. of Public Safety

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Annual $43,898.80

Job Description

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center and in providing information to law enforcement officials, other agencies and the general public.

Typical Functions

The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:

• Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services.

• Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

• Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities.

• Researches criminal history information as required, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through the various systems.

• Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

• Maintains written records and logs of shift activities.

• Composes and releases messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions and similar situations to field offices, news media and other law enforcement, civil defense and emergency services.

• Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems.

• Coordinates operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials.

• Conducts on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

• Develops and conducts training programs in communications procedures and requirements; collects, prepares, organizes, and edits instructional materials such as manuals, overhead transparencies, course outlines, and cassettes.

• May serve as a member of screening boards in matters related to promotions, hiring, reinstatement and disciplinary actions; represents the agency in matters concerning user agreements and accountability for the operation and security of terminals and use of information.

• Monitors security within the communications center or the facility.

Level Descriptor

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

This is the career level of this job family where incumbents are assigned responsibilities at the full performance level as a Communications Dispatcher, performing highly responsible work in the operation of communication equipment in a Department of Public Safety communication center. Incumbents at this level may be assigned highly independent work as the only operator on an assigned shift.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of (Statutory Requirement: 47 O.S. 1998 Supp. Section 2-105.B.2.b.) "2. No person shall be appointed … unless the person is a citizen of the United States of America, of good moral character, and: b. for any such position in the Communications Division, a person shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and shall possess a high school diploma or General Education Development equivalency certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications; of OLETS, NLETS, and NCIC operating manuals; of state and federal laws concerning use of criminal records; of agency communications policies and procedures; of office practices and procedures; and of spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Ability is required to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to operate radio and telecommunications equipment; to maintain operating efficiency under emergency and stressful conditions; to maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow complex written instructions; and to type accurately from plain copy at the rate of twenty-five words per minute.

Special Requirements

Prior to entry on duty, final candidates will be scheduled for hearing tests by the hiring agency.

Statutory Requirements (47 O.S. 1998 Supp. Section 2-105.C.1): For positions with the Department of Public Safety, upon initial appointment to the position of Communications Dispatcher, the appointed employee shall be required to serve an initial probationary period of twelve (12) months. The Commissioner may extend the probationary period for up to three (3) additional months.

The Department of Public Safety has determined that some positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by63 O.S. § 427.8.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.