Public Safety Communications Officer/Dispatcher

TriCorps; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Public Safety Communications Officers to ensure the safety of the community. In this vital role, you will be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS while maintaining clear communication under pressure. This position requires strong multitasking abilities and a calm demeanor in high-stress situations. Join a team committed to public safety and make a difference in the Washington, D.C. area. With a focus on ongoing training and professional development, this opportunity is perfect for individuals looking to grow in a rewarding field.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation

Ongoing Training and Professional Development

Qualifications

• One year of prior experience in dispatch and/or telecommunications in a public safety setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to remain composed in high-stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching police, fire, and EMS.
• Monitor radio frequencies and coordinate response activities with field units.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Multi-tasking

Prioritization

Calm Under Pressure

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Additional Education in Communications or Public Safety

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Systems

Radio Systems

Microsoft Office Applications

Job description

Overview

Founded in 2000 by career law-enforcement officials, TriCorps is staffed with the most experienced team of security professionals available to the private sector, having the ability to meet the requests of companies who need electronic security or physical security presence. TriCorps Security is headquartered in Oklahoma City and employs over 1,000 security officers from North Dakota to Florida.

Job Skills / Requirements

We are seeking dedicated and detail-oriented individuals to join our team as Public Safety Communications Officers/Dispatchers. In this critical role, you will be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, responsible for efficiently dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) while ensuring public safety in the Washington, D.C. area. As a dispatcher, you will need to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and effectively prioritize situations to provide timely and accurate responses.

Essential Functions:

• Answers emergency and non-emergency calls for service; determines the appropriate police, fire, emergency services or other response; queries the caller to ascertain specific and vital details of a situation in a timely manner; maintains contact with the caller or appropriate jurisdictional police agency as needed and relays the information received from the caller.
• Conducts police computerized information systems queries, hit confirmations, entries and performs administrative message switching between other agencies utilizing systems such as:
• Washington Area Law Enforcement System (WALES),
• Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System (METERS),
• Virginia Criminal Interstate Network (VCIN) and their associated local systems.
• Dispatch appropriate public safety personnel, including police, fire, and EMS units, based on call information.
• Monitor radio frequencies and coordinate response activities with field units.
• Relay critical information to responding units and maintain clear, concise communication.
• Input and update information in the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system to track units, incidents, and resolutions.
• Provide pre-arrival instructions to callers in emergency situations, such as CPR guidance or evacuation steps.
• Dispatch police officers, officials and emergency management personnel to calls for service. Monitor, control and coordinate the response and ensure the safety and accountability of all personnel in the field, by tracking location and status and frequently checking their welfare. Update the CAD with pertinent information pertaining to all calls for service until the call is closed and files it for historical purposes.
• Follow established protocols for call handling and dispatching to ensure the safety of first responders and the public.
• Communicate with neighboring agencies and jurisdictions as needed for mutual aid requests.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required); additional education in communications, public safety, or a related field is a plus.
• Required: One year of prior experience in dispatch and/or telecommunications in a public safety setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to remain composed in high-stress situations.
• Proficiency with computers and technology, including CAD systems, radio systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must pass a thorough background check, drug screening, and psychological evaluation.

Education Requirements (Any): High School Diploma or Equivalent
Certification Requirements (Any): Valid State Driver's License
Working Conditions:

• This is a shift-based role, and dispatchers must be available for night, weekend, and holiday shifts as assigned.
• Work is performed in a secure communication center with specialized equipment.
• May involve periods of high stress and exposure to traumatic events over the phone.
• Location: Alexandria VA; with occasional work in Hyattsville, MD.

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Screening Requirements: Drug Screen, Criminal Background Check, Psychological Evaluation, Finger Printing.