Police Communications Officer

Georgia Ports Authority; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Ports Authority is seeking a Police Communications Officer to operate under the supervision of the Communications supervisor. This role centers on safeguarding CJIS terminal access, coordinating dispatch via radios and CAD, and monitoring CCTV systems at Garden City Terminal.

Responsibilities include prioritizing calls, tracking unit activity, and maintaining logs while ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. Requires HS diploma and eligibility for GPA background checks.

Qualifications

• Articulate facts, alarms, observations clearly in reports, radio, or media.
• Legible handwriting; able to type and use word processing and scanning devices.
• Able to make sound decisions under pressure and remain composed.
• Clear instructions and information delivery in stressful situations.
• Strong written and spoken communication with GPA staff at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Monitors radio frequencies, sets priorities, and dispatches police to locations.
• Maintains exact location status of equipment and personnel via radio.
• Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls via phone, radio, and CAD.
• Evaluates information, prioritizes calls, and dispatches units as needed.
• Coordinates police unit activity via radio frequencies and CAD.
• Keeps logs of public safety communications activity.
• Accesses sensitive data in GCIC/NCIC databases as needed.
• Maintains security and confidentiality of information.
• Complies with departmental regulations and policies.

Skills

Communication

Decision making under pressure

Typing & word processing

Clear reporting

Professional communication

Shift work

Education

High School Diploma

Background check clearance (GPA)

TWIC

Driver's License

Job description

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.

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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