Police Communications Officer

City of Hammond; Hammond (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hammond seeks a Police Communications Officer to operate the communications center, answer calls, dispatch units, and maintain logs. This entry-level role involves following standard procedures, working independently, and reporting to the Police Communications Supervisor.

Training will be provided; candidates must meet civil service requirements, be U.S. citizens of legal age, and possess a valid photo ID. Shift work and ongoing duties are integral to the position.

Qualifications

• Must meet Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law requirements.
• Must be a United States citizen and of legal age.
• Must possess one of: high school diploma or GED, or college transcript/degree with proof.
• BESE-approved home study documentation required for Louisiana applicants; non-Louisiana applicants must present proof of accredited high school curriculum.
• Must possess a valid picture identification card.

Responsibilities

• Answer police telephones and dispatch units following department procedures.
• Determine correct units and pertinent information from callers.
• Keep logs and records up to date; file reports as required.
• Relay messages and emergency information to units and supervisors.
• Maintain contact with units and track location and condition of each unit.
• Assist in training new communications officers and during shift transitions.

Skills

Dispatching

Telephone etiquette

Record keeping

Independent work

Team coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

BESE home study approval

Tools

Radio consoles

Emergency comms systems

Job description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Employees in positions of this class perform entrance-level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the communications center of the police department. They answer police telephones, dispatch police units, and keep simple records of these activities following department procedures. Duties of this class are non-supervisory in nature and require the ability to act independently following standard operating procedures. Communications officers report to and have work reviewed by the Police Communications Supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Answers telephone and secures the most accurate information possible for any incident from the caller; takes complaints from other sources such as police units or citizens coming into the station; determines the correct unit(s) to be dispatched and any other pertinent information by following departmental procedure; dispatches unit(s).
• Keeps track of location and condition of each unit at all times; stays in touch with units; takes requests for assistance and complies with such; relays instructions from supervisors, messages, emergency information etc.
• Calls state police or other law enforcement agencies by phone or radio to send or receive messages concerning auto licenses, driver's licenses, runaways, criminal records, etc.
• Answers all police department telephones and transfers callers to the correct office or department; takes telephone messages for police department personnel and delivers them.
• Keeps logs, records, files, and lists by making entries on a regular basis or by periodically reviewing and updating information.
• Files report forms, cards, logs, tapes, or other items for future reference; fills out forms, reports, or official documents required by the department;
• Notifies repair crew or supervisor of any malfunctioning equipment.
• Trains new communications officers by giving demonstrations, assisting with work performance, or supervising work performed during training period.
• Prepares for shift change by briefing oncoming shift or by being briefed by outgoing shift, checking records from previous shift, or assembling necessary supplies and equipment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Unless otherwise specified, all requirements listed below must be met by the filing deadline for application for admission to the examination.

Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States and of legal age.

Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate's or bachelor's degree, or college transcript, any one of which must indicate that graduation has occurred or a degree awarded. Any Louisiana applicant who presents a home study diploma shall submit necessary documentation indicating Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approval of the home study curriculum. Non-Louisiana applicants shall be required to present proof of completion of a high school curriculum which has been accredited by the applicant’s state, or its state-approved agency. A certification of completion shall not be sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate.

Must possess a valid picture identification card.

After offer of employment, but before beginning work in this class, must pass a physical examination, the selection and administration of which shall be authorized by the Appointing Authority, designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.

Police Communications Officer HM Original Adoption: 12-21-64 Revision Dates: 06-12-69, 12-17-81, 10-19-94, 01-19-05, 03-16-11, 12-18-14, 02-15-18

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