Police Communications Operator I

APCO International; Fort Myers (FL); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

APCO International in Fort Myers, Florida seeks a Public Safety Telecommunicator to evaluate calls and dispatch police units. You will input and transmit information, monitor personnel activity, check records, and communicate with alarm and data systems.

The role requires regional certifications and a strong ability to work under stress, with a commitment to accuracy, safety, and teamwork in a high-pressure public safety environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with two years of related full-time experience.
• Experience using computer systems to enter, update, and retrieve information.
• State NCIC/FCIC certification or ability to obtain within three months.
• Valid Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate or the ability to obtain within six months.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Any appropriate combination of education, experience, and certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Receives and evaluates calls requesting police assistance of both emergency and non-emergency natures.
• Inputs and transmits call information using the communications and dispatch systems.
• Contacts appropriate parties to notify of complaints and/or actions required.
• Operates two way radio to dispatch calls to public safety units and to receive and communicate information.
• Monitors the field position and activities of department personnel.
• Transmits requests for emergency services and retrieves various data and records.
• Checks driver’s license records, vehicle registrations, warrants, criminal histories, and missing person lists.
• Monitors alarm systems and notifies personnel upon activation.
• Prepares logs, reports and forms.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to work under high stress

Teamwork and collaboration

Verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma

State NCIC/FCIC certification

Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate

Tools

Two-way radio

Dispatch systems

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Receives and evaluates calls requesting police assistance of both emergency and non-emergency natures.
• Inputs and transmits call information using the communications and dispatch systems.
• Contacts appropriate parties to notify of complaints and/or actions required.
• Operates two way radio to dispatch calls to public safety units and to receive and communicate information.
• Monitors the field position and activities of department personnel.
• Transmits requests for emergency services and retrieves various data and records.
• Checks driver’s license records, vehicle registrations, stolen article files, warrants, criminal histories, and missing person lists.
• Monitors alarm systems and notifies personnel upon activation.
• Prepares various logs, reports and forms.

Other Duties:

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires a high school diploma and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Relevant full-time experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information.
• State NCIC/FCIC certification or ability to obtain within three months of employment.
• Valid Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with 911, police, fire, or emergency medical dispatch.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal communication laws.
• Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of law enforcement agencies in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glade, Hendry, and Sarasota counties.
• General knowledge of transit policies and procedures pertaining to the university.
• Knowledge of fire and intrusion alarm monitoring systems and operations.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to operate office equipment including a multi-line telephone system, two-way radios, and video display terminals.
• Ability to operate personal computers with proficiency and learn new applications and systems.
• Ability to listen to and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences, retrieve facts, derive meaning, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to function effectively in high stress emergency situations.
• Ability to properly record police services provided, maintain records, and prepare reports and other written materials.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to exercise flexibility, good judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, nights and weekends as necessary.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open for feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work; persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnerships across departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants

There will be a written exam for qualified applicants. Eligible candidates will be contacted via email with further details.