Telecommunications Supervisor

Freeport, City of (IL); Mendota (IL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

IMRF pension

Job summary

The City of Freeport is seeking a Telecommunications Supervisor to lead the police department’s communications center. You will supervise dispatch operations, personnel, scheduling, training, QA, and compliance to ensure calls are handled accurately and professionally.

You will maintain operational readiness, coordinate multi‑agency responses, and may dispatch when needed. Requires leadership, strong communication, and the ability to obtain LEADS/EMD/Training Officer certifications within six

Qualifications

• Public safety dispatch experience required.
• LEADS/EMD/Training Officer certifications within six months when possible.
• Calm under pressure with sound judgment in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise dispatch operations and coordinate center activities.
• Manage scheduling, training, QA, and compliance with policies.
• Oversee CAD, radio, phones, recording, mapping and CJIS systems.
• Coordinate interagency communications and multi‑agency responses.
• Attend meetings and represent the center as required.

Skills

Public safety dispatch experience

Strong verbal and written comms

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

LEADS Certification

EMD Certification

Training Officer Certification

Job description

Telecommunications Supervisor

The Telecommunications Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision and coordination of the Freeport Police Department's communications center. Selected by the Chief of Police and reporting to the designated Lieutenant, this position oversees dispatch operations, personnel, scheduling, training, quality assurance, and compliance to ensure emergency and non-emergency calls are handled accurately, professionally, and in accordance with Department policies, applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, and public safety communications standards.

The Telecommunications Supervisor maintains operational readiness, supports effective communication between dispatch personnel and public safety responders, safeguards confidential law enforcement information, and serves as a dispatcher when operational needs require.

Personnel Leadership

• Supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate dispatch personnel.
• Establish performance expectations and monitor attendance, conduct, professionalism, and compliance with Department policies.
• Conduct staff meetings, communicate operational updates, and promote teamwork, accountability, and a professional work environment.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, promotions, discipline, and separation processes.
• Complete performance evaluations, maintain supervisory documentation, address employee concerns, and protect the confidentiality of personnel matters.

Dispatch Operations

• Direct daily communications center operations and ensure emergency and non-emergency calls are received, prioritized, documented, and dispatched accurately.
• Monitor radio, telephone, and CAD operations to ensure efficient workload distribution and effective communications.
• Provide supervisory direction during critical incidents and coordinate communications during multi-agency responses.
• Ensure accurate dispatch documentation and promptly report significant operational issues through the chain of command.
• Perform or assign dispatch duties as necessary to maintain staffing and operational readiness.

Scheduling and Staffing

• Prepare and manage work schedules, leave requests, overtime, training schedules, and minimum staffing levels in accordance with Department policy and collective bargaining agreements.
• Coordinate staffing for vacancies, emergencies, and special events.
• Review and approve timekeeping and attendance records and recommend staffing improvements.

Training and Employee Development

• Coordinate initial, field, in-service, and continuing education for dispatch personnel.
• Assign trainers, monitor employee progress, maintain certification and training records, and develop performance improvement plans when needed.
• Ensure personnel receive required training on emergency communications, Department policies, technology, and applicable procedures.
• Participate in emergency exercises, drills, and after-action reviews.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor calls, radio traffic, CAD records, and documentation for accuracy, professionalism, and compliance.
• Evaluate dispatcher performance, provide coaching and corrective guidance, and identify operational or training needs.
• Recommend improvements to procedures, staffing, technology, and workflow.

Policy, Compliance, and Administration

• Enforce Department policies, procedures, communications protocols, and applicable laws.
• Assist in developing and updating policies, procedures, and training materials.
• Ensure compliance with records retention requirements and assist with audits, subpoenas, authorized records requests, and administrative inquiries.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws, standards, and labor agreements.
• Attend 9-1-1 ETSB meetings and report pertinent information to the assigned Lieutenant.

Technology and Equipment

• Oversee the operation of CAD, radio, telephone, recording, mapping, and criminal justice information systems.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and implementation of new technologies.
• Maintain contingency plans for system failures and ensure adequate communications equipment and supplies are available.

Interagency Coordination

• Foster effective working relationships with law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency management, neighboring communications centers, and other partner agencies.
• Promote professional communication between dispatch personnel and field responders.
• Represent the communications center at Department, interagency, and community meetings as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High school diploma or GED with a minimum of two (2) years of public safety dispatch experience.
• LEADS Certification, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification, and Training Officer Certification, or the ability to obtain each within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and make timely decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to perform dispatcher duties when required.
• Successful completion of all required background, medical, psychological, drug-screening, and other pre-employment requirements established by the Department.

Starting salary range for this position is $53,000 to $65,000 annually DOQ. This position comes with an excellent benefit package that includes health, dental, vision, & life insurance, paid time off, plus an IMRF pension.