Communications Officer - FT

City of Panama City Beach; Panama City Beach (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Panama City Beach seeks a skilled Police Communications Officer to answer emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch appropriate personnel. You will maintain FCIC/NCIC databases, enter critical data, and coordinate with Police, Fire, and EMS teams in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities include monitoring logs, handling public inquiries, and ensuring compliance with CJIS/NCIC guidelines while maintaining certification and integrity of information systems.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of emergency communication principles and FCIC/NCIC policies.
• Ability to pass NCIC/FCIC and dispatcher training programs.
• Completion of the NDST with a minimum score of 70% and ability to obtain required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Receives emergency and non-emergency calls and prioritizes information.
• Dispatches personnel in response to calls and maintains logs.
• Accesses FCIC/NCIC databases to provide information to field personnel.
• Make entries/updates to FCIC/NCIC databases (stolen vehicles, missing persons, etc.).
• Relay instructions between Police, Fire, and EMS; monitor surveillance cameras.
• Transmit messages between city departments and external agencies.
• Maintain FCIC/NCIC certification and comply with guidelines.

Skills

Emergency communications

FCIC/NCIC knowledge

Radio & telecommunications

Computer skills

Decision making under pressure

Public relations

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

FCIC/NCIC certification

NDST with 70% minimum score

Florida DH Dispatcher certification

Tools

CAD system

CJIS compliant software

Job description

This position answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel. This position is responsible for maintaining and updating the FCIC/NCIC databases, amongst others. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Senior Communications Officer.”

• Receives emergency calls; prioritizes and enters information into CAD system.
• Dispatches appropriate personnel in response to both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Accesses FCIC/NCIC databases, and other law enforcement computer systems, to provide information to field personnel.
• Make entries and updates to FCIC/NCIC databases related to stolen vehicles, stolen property, missing and wanted persons, etc.
• Relays and coordinates instructions, precautions, and questions to and from Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical personnel.
• Maintains and files logs of all calls and dispatches.
• Receives and processes complaints and questions from the general public.
• Provides information and assistance to callers.
• Receives and transmits messages between city departments and between the city and external agencies.
• Monitors surveillance cameras.
• Maintains FCIC/NCIC certification.
• Performs related duties.

• Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Requirement to successfully pass department training program.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, appropriate FCIC/NCIC certification.
• Completion of the National Dispatcher Selection Test (NDST) and must obtain a minimum score of 70%.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, Florida Department of Health Dispatcher certification.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of FCIC/NCIC policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency dispatch policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and problem solving.
• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include state and federal law, CJIS, FCIC, and NCIC guidelines, DHSMV policies, and city and department training manuals, policies, and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to perform emergency dispatch operations. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations, as well as non-emergency situations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, representatives of emergency services agencies, towing companies, taxi companies, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.
• The work is typically performed in an office. The employee may be exposed to noise.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.