Police Communications Officer

gpaexternalcareers; Garden City, Savannah (GA, GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Ports Authority seeks a Police Communications Officer to operate in the Security Operations Center at Garden City Terminal. You will dispatch police and emergency services using radios and CAD, monitor CCTV systems, and access GCIC/NCIC databases as needed.

You must perform under pressure, communicate clearly, and maintain strict confidentiality while supporting safety initiatives and compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Must clearly articulate facts, alarms, observations, or incidents orally or in reports.
• Able to type and use word processing and scanning equipment; stay composed under pressure.
• Strong written communication and detail orientation for accurate information relay.

Responsibilities

• Monitor radio frequencies and dispatch police using radios and CAD.
• Maintain accurate location status of equipment and personnel.
• Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls via telephone and radio systems.
• Process information, prioritize calls, and dispatch units as needed.
• Coordinate police unit activity via radio frequencies and CAD.
• Enter sensitive data in GCIC/NCIC databases as required.

Skills

Effective communication

Multitasking under pressure

Attention to detail

Radio/CAD operation

GCIC/NCIC knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CAD systems

CCTV systems

Access control systems

GCIC terminal operator

Job description

JOB INFORMATION:

Job Title: Police Communications Officer

Location(s): Garden City Terminal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW:

Under the supervision of the Communications supervisor and on-duty shift supervisor, the PCO maintains strict access to the Security Operations Center; protects and makes inquiries about Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) database terminals, and dispatches police and emergency services utilizing multiple radios and computer-aided dispatch equipment. Monitors and manipulates closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and surveillance equipment.

Upholds the values of the GPA to promote Safety, Integrity, Respect, Community, Creativity and Opportunity. Promotes a safe work environment by participating in safety initiatives and reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors.

JOB DUTIES:

• Monitors radio frequencies, set priorities among incoming events, and dispatches the police to necessary locations using both radios and computers.
• Utilizes radio contact to keep the accurate status of the exact location of equipment and employees.
• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public, tenants, customers, and other law enforcement agencies, via telephone and radio systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Processes and evaluates information received, prioritize calls, and dispatches required units and/or agencies for response.
• Monitors and coordinates police unit activity and assignments via police radio frequencies and CAD.
• Maintains status and locations of department public safety personnel.
• Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines, access control systems, camera (CCTV) systems, and other communication equipment.
• Creates and maintains automated or manual logs of public safety communications activity.
• Accesses and enters sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes, i.e. Georgia Criminal Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties.
• Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform the duties of a PSO when needed, if properly trained and worked in that job class previously.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must be able to effectively articulate facts, alarms, intrusion alerts, observations, or incidences orally, through written reports, radio, or other electronic media.
• Must have legible handwriting; able to type and use computerized word processing and scanning equipment; able to compare, discriminate, articulate, and formulate information accurately, and arrive at sound and reasonable decisions often under pressure; able to give instructions and information clearly, decisively, and concisely; must be able to remain composed and conduct behavior in a professional manner during difficult or stressful situations.
• Can write clearly and spell correctly. Skilled in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately.
• The ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with the GPA staff on all levels of administration including immediate supervisor, management, and co-workers required.
• Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends.
• Must be able to successfully complete the Basic Communications Officer (BCO) course at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.
• Only one (1) opportunity to successfully complete this course is authorized per candidate.
• Must be able to successfully complete training requirements for GCIC terminal operator certification and maintain current certification.

Education

• Required High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Required Must be able to pass a GPA background investigation prior to employment

Licenses & Certifications

• TWIC - Transportation Worker Identification Credential Required
• Driver's License - Valid state driver's license Required

Note: This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, job requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require the performance of different or additional tasks. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, an without direct threat to the health or safety of others.

Revised: 8/3/2023

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