Police Dispatcher

City of Maypearl; Alamo Heights (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Alamo Heights Police Department is seeking an ESC Operator to perform technical radio communications for police, fire, and EMS deployments per service requests. This non-supervisory role reports to the ESC Supervisor in the Emergency Services Center.

Responsibilities include handling calls, prioritizing emergencies, coordinating resources, and maintaining multiple databases and dispatch systems. Requires strong communication, data entry accuracy, and ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One year public contact experience in person or by phone.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls for service and prioritize emergency information.
• Maintain communications with police, fire and EMS personnel.
• Enter and retrieve information in CAD and records systems.
• Perform data entry and routine clerical tasks.
• Support Police Administrative office as needed.

Skills

Public safety dispatch

Radio communications

Public interaction

TCIC/NCIC/TLETS knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

TCIC/NCIC/TLETS

CAD system

MDT systems

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for performing technical radio communications involving the deployment of police, fire and EMS personnel according to request for service.

The Emergency Services Center (ESC) Operator is assigned to the Emergency Services Center and reports to the ESC Supervisor. The ESC Operator is a non-supervisory position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provide extensive support to the community and all emergency services providers; effectively communicate and disseminate information accurately; provide exceptional response to all calls for service and customer complaint resolution.
Answer calls for service, prioritize and accurately communicate emergency information; determine and direct appropriate resources to a reported incident.
Maintain communications with police, fire and emergency medical service personnel providing necessary support to field personnel via radio, telephone, computer and MDT’s.
Maintain status and location of all field units; assign emergency and non-emergency field units as appropriate to the incident; enter, update, retrieve and communicate crime related information from computer databases and the TLETS information system.
Maintain detailed information utilizing the computer aided dispatch module of the records management system; follow all procedures in place relating to data entry to ensure consistency of data entry and to enhance retrieval ability.
Effectively utilize the TCIC/NCIC/TLETS system for all system searches relating to vehicle registration confirmation, stolen/wanted searches, driver’s license checks, computerized criminal history records, administrative messages; stolen wanted confirmations and other system transactions.
Provides support to the vehicle impound lot; enters abandoned vehicle impounds into TCIC as required; maintains files on all impounded vehicles.
Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work as necessary or required.
Maintain databases for, but not limited to, parking permits, alarm permits, animal impound/lost/found.
Provides support/assistance to the Police Administrative office when needed or during the absence of the Police Administrative Assistant.
Performs duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certification
One year experience in public contact either in person or by telephone.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

TCOLE Dispatcher Certification.
TCIC/NCIC Certification or receive certification within one year of employment.
Prefer a current and valid Telecommunications Operator Certification or receive certification within one year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of basic telephone techniques and public relations.
Knowledge and application of the Alamo Heights Police Department Mission Statement, Values Statement, and Goals/Objectives during the course of duties.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures in the Alamo Heights Police Department General Manual; knowledge and adherence to all General and Special Orders issued or authorized by the Chief of Police.
Knowledge of TCIC/NCIC/TLETS rules and operating procedures and internal procedures in place to ensure required record keeping procedures are followed.
Knowledge of the National incident Management System (NIMS) and procedures to address multi-agency emergency responses in the event of disasters.
Knowledge of the multi-channel radio system and all components of the system; troubleshoot system malfunctions and contact appropriate resources without unnecessary delay to maintain radio communications integrity.
Knowledge of the telephone system and telephone console features; transfer calls accurately; utilize back-up systems in the event of failure.
Knowledge of the computerized 9-1-1 system and all system components necessary for the proper use of the system; troubleshoot system malfunctions and contact appropriate resources without unnecessary delay; utilize back-up systems in the event of failure.
Knowledge of the records management system and computer aided dispatch system and the procedures related to the entry and retrieval of system data; conduct routine information searches; generate internal reports.
Knowledge of the mobile data terminal and the uses of that system; follow all rules and procedures for the use of the MDC system.
Ability to learn and apply dispatch office procedures, practices and equipment.
Ability to learn geographic features and streets within area served.
Ability to learn and apply applicable departmental procedures and policies related to proper police response, emergencies, etc.
Ability to learn and apply various types of computer formats and codes necessary to access, manipulate and relay information.
Ability to learn and apply standard radio broadcasting procedures.
Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgement and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to operate dispatch and office equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and those persons contacted in the course of work.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to perform more than one task at a time (talk-monitor radio transmissions and type), good short-term memory and ability to absorb and retain numerous formats, rules, regulations and procedures taught during training period.
Ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others and reading and writing.
Ability to recognize dangerous situations; take measures to notify others or abate the situation.
Ability to maintain mental capacity that allows the capability of exercising sound judgment and rational thinking under dangerous circumstances.
Ability to evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
Ability to demonstrate intellectual capabilities during training and testing processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS;

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 15 pounds; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching and walking to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are primarily inside an office environment. Prolonged confinement to the immediate work area is required.

ESC Operators may be assigned varying shifts and days off as necessary to maintain adequate staffing of shifts. Additionally, ESC Operators may be required to work overtime to meet service demands and/or to maintain operational efficiency. ESC Operators must be prepared to work any shift, and assume scheduled days off if required.