Under general supervision, receives, evaluates, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, and EMS departments; answers inquiries for information from general public as well as other criminal and non-criminal justice agencies; dispatches patrol, fire, and EMS units; maintains, types, and files various records and documents; interacts and communicates with the general public, criminal, and non-criminal justice agencies. May perform lead work over the Public Safety Dispatcher I class.
This is the journey-level position within the Public Safety Dispatcher series. This class is distinguished from that of Public Safety Dispatcher I class in that the employee in this class typically has more responsibility and may act in a supervisory position over lower-level dispatchers.
Essential Functions:(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).
- Responds to radio calls from law enforcement and emergency personnel in the field; acts as backup communication for field personnel for public works and the school district.
- Performs record searches from local databases and those maintained by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS), and the Nevada Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS) for warrant and criminal history status on field suspects and in-custody detainees.
- Confirms active warrants and transportation requirements for other law enforcement agencies; verifies and disseminates information received to field officers; gathers and translates information from field officers for efficient queries into various systems.
- Receives 911 calls for assistance from landline and cellular phones from various locations within the local area as well as neighboring counties.
- Dispatches emergency units and relays pertinent information between field officers and emergency response units; provides emergency medical instruction using locally-approved protocols.
- Communicates effectively with distraught, angry, hysterical, or frightened callers; maintains calm in emergency situations; handles stress-related to various emergency calls; dispatches appropriate units for alarm calls.
- Maintains a written log of all radio and phone calls received and transmitted.
- Operates audio logging equipment for all radio and phone calls received and transmitted; maintains local databases by entering calls for requests for services or officer-initiated activity; enters and maintains local house watch list and emergency contact information in local databases; prints all pertinent daily and monthly reports.
- Perform daily maintenance on equipment and troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment as necessary.
- Performs matron duties on female inmates when necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (KSA’s are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or training).
Knowledge of:
- Basic computer procedures;
- Use of reference books and manuals;
- Office procedures;
- Basic record keeping;
- Correct English usage including spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
- Local area geography; and
- Arithmetic necessary to produce statistical reports.
Skills to:
- Working under pressure, exercising good judgment and making sound and timely decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Understanding and following oral and written instructions;
- Communicating clearly and concisely during emergency and non-emergency situations;
- Recalling, identifying, and categorizing information;
- Performing the full range of public safety dispatching and 9-1-1 duties;
- Effectively listening to, communicating with, and eliciting information from upset, emotional and irate individuals; and
- Dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to:
- Learn techniques for communicating with people in emergencies and varying stages of distress;
- Learn basic law enforcement terms and radio codes;
- Learn proper questioning techniques to determine the nature of call and level of emergency;
- Learn available resources for responding to emergencies and calls;
- Operate standard office equipment including a personal computer and utilize appropriate word processing and legal software;
- Type at least 30 words per minute;
- Maintain confidentiality;
- Communicate with individuals from different backgrounds and communication abilities;
- Make decisions quickly and accurately; and
- Learn proper procedures for operation of NCIC/NCJIS/NLETS information systems;
- Work independently and make prompt, informed decisions.
Required Certifications and Licenses
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation to qualify for and maintain certification to operate NCIC, NCJIS, and related computers. Required certification must be maintained and current throughout duration of employment.
Must possess a valid Nevada driver’s license.