Police Telecommunications Officer

City of Apache Junction; Apache Junction (AZ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Apache Junction seeks a dedicated Police Dispatcher to handle 911 and non-emergency calls, input data into CAD, and coordinate with police units. You will operate a multi-screen dispatch console, maintain radio communications, and support the Records Unit with data entry and log maintenance.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and the Criticall testing process; candidate may be subject to background checks and pre-employment requirements. On-site work in Apache Junction, AZ.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must complete Criticall simulation testing to qualify for interview.

Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate and prioritize calls for police, fire or other services; determine nature and priority of the incident and dispatch units.
• Operate a multi-screen dispatch console and multi-line phone system; maintain radio communications.
• Activate emergency notification systems and monitor security systems and cameras as needed.
• Maintain logs and records in NCIC/ACJIS systems; process warrants, stolen items and missing persons data.
• Notarize affidavits and assist Records Unit; may train new staff.

Skills

Telephone etiquette

CAD proficiency

Radio/telephone comms

Data entry

Multi-tasking

Records management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NCIC/ACJIS access

TDD equipment

Job description

Positions assigned to this class perform the full range of police dispatch duties including 911, receiving and dispatching requests for police services, and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) inputting functions. Responsible for dispatching and processing of calls and messages from police vehicles and personnel. Maintains various types of information logs and records of dispatch calls, warrants, stolen items and missing persons. The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs.

• Receives, evaluates, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire or other emergency services; determine the nature of the call, the priority, the location and number of necessary units to respond; dispatch and maintain accurate status and location of units; relay criminal information to authorized officers and agencies; coordinate with other agencies for multi-jurisdictional assistance.
• Operate a multi-screen police dispatch console and multi-line telephone equipment; maintains proper radio communications in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Activate reverse 911 systems and/or Community Emergency Notification System.
• Operate telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) equipment and access translation line when necessary; operate the Apache Junction Police Department (AJPD) security system including but not limited to locking and unlocking doors; monitor security cameras for the Police Department, City Complex, Public Works and Animal Control; monitor Apache Junction Police Department, Public Works and other agencies’ radio channels.
• Maintain daily computerized log of Department Reports (DR) issued; enter, update, confirm and clear information including warrants, stolen items, stored/repossessed/stolen vehicles and missing persons in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) systems; maintain hard-copy Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment; update alarm permit program records; coordinate tow trucks and abandoned vehicles.
• Research information utilizing numerous databases including but not limited to warrant checks, criminal history and driver’s license checks as requested by officers, administrators and various agencies; notarize affidavits and other paperwork; assist Records Unit with record request forms and records distribution.
• May train new employees.
• Support City policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED.

Applicants must complete and pass the Criticall simulation testing to be eligible to move forward in the interview process. Those who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will receive a separate email with a link to participate in this testing process when the recruitment closes.

Knowledge

• City and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; ACJIS regulations; State and Federal laws and privacy acts; Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) guidelines; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children procedures.
• CAD formats and commands pertaining to 911 operations and police dispatch; federal communications rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of public safety communications.
• Proper two-way radio and telephone communications techniques; radio codes.
• Geographic knowledge of the City of Apache Junction and surrounding area.

Skills

• Exercising professional telephone etiquette and in-person communications with distressed citizens; demonstrating good judgment and making sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard software and some specialized software including but not limited to multi-line phone system, CAD; functioning standard office equipment; proficient typing and data entry.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions.
• Assessing, prioritizing and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously.
• Retrieving and verifying information from computerized records.

Pre-employment Requirements

Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona, or meet the transportation needs of the position.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard office environment. May require frequent sitting and continuous operation of a personal computer. May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, which permits the employee to listen and respond to radio transmissions and voice instructions; to communicate effectively in person, on the telephone, and over a two-way radio; ability to hear sounds within the normal range of hearing (phone conversations, co-workers, supervisors, radio traffic) and to hear in the presence of noise.