Police Dispatcher

JOB DESCRIPTION

POLICE DISPATCHER

NATURE OF WORK

Police Dispatchers with the Vernon Police Department serve as the primary communications link between the public, law enforcement officers, fire personnel, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies. Dispatchers receive emergency and non-emergency calls, gather critical information, determine the nature and priority of incidents, and dispatch appropriate units in accordance with established procedures. They must remain calm, attentive, and accurate while managing multiple radio frequencies, telephones, computer systems, and emergency communications equipment in a fast-paced environment.

This position requires sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. Dispatchers are expected to provide clear and professional service to officers in the field and to the public while maintaining accurate records and entering sensitive information into law enforcement and emergency communications systems. The nature of this work involves prolonged sitting, repetitive hand movement, and the ability to focus through frequent interruptions and stressful events while supporting the mission of the Vernon Police Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Police Dispatchers with the Vernon Police Department are responsible for performing a wide range of emergency communications and support duties with professionalism, accuracy, and composure. Essential job functions include:

1. Monitor and receive calls and broadcast on multiple radio frequencies.

2. Receive requests for police, fire, the county sheriff's office, and other emergency services by telephone or radio.

3. Determine the nature of required assistance, location, and other pertinent information.

4. Dispatch required units according to standard operating procedures.

5. Monitor radio traffic of other agencies and city departments.

6. Monitor emergency telephone systems.

7. Maintain log sheet entries recording the time an officer is out of service, location, and the time the officer or unit is back in service.

8. Receive requests for information from officers in the field and other authorized persons.

9. Utilize computer terminals to access and retrieve information related to motor vehicle registration, driver's licenses, criminal history, stolen vehicles, stolen articles, wanted persons, warrants, and similar data.

10. Transmit information by radio or telephone.

11. Send and receive interstate and intrastate administrative messages to other law enforcement agencies utilizing computer terminals.

12. Initiate all-points messages as directed.

13. Perform data entries into national crime center files.

14. Perform dispatching duties for other city departments after normal business hours.

PERFORMS OTHER RELATED WORK AS REQUIRED

In addition to the essential functions of the position, Police Dispatchers must be able to perform the following physical and working condition requirements:

1. In performing the functions of the position, the incumbent will be sitting for approximately seven hours per day.

2. Repetitive hand and wrist movement will be used throughout the day in operating equipment.

3. Must be able to communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing, including speaking distinctly, responding promptly, hearing in the normal range to protect the safety of officers and others, and simultaneously listening to and comprehending both telephone and radio traffic.

4. Must work in a periodically extremely active environment and maintain consistent performance in stressful situations while being able to concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.

5. Must be able to work in a confined area of very limited space.

6. Must be able to lift, push, or pull supplies of up to 25 pounds in weight.

7. Must be able to stoop, squat, kneel, and stretch to reach areas of the worksite for routine cleaning and inspection of equipment.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Police Dispatchers must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform emergency communications duties effectively and safely. Requirements include:

1. Knowledge of the street system and geography of the city, including adjacent areas.

2. Knowledge of the principles involved in the operation of radio, telephone, and related communication equipment.

3. Ability to operate radio and telephone equipment quickly and accurately under heavy workload conditions.

4. Ability to speak clearly and concisely in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction.

5. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations.

6. Ability to maintain required records and perform limited typing.

7. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

8. Ability to operate computer terminals and other 9-1-1 emergency equipment.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Graduation from high school and some experience in the operation of a voice radio transmitter, or any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees of this class must possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License.

2. Must have the ability to type at a rate of 30 words per minute and pass other clerical battery tests.

3. Must pass a thorough background check.

4. Must pass a psychic test.

5. After successful completion of the certification course must pass the TCOLE Telecommunicators Licensing exam within twelve months of employment.

Vernon Police Department

1306 Main Street

Vernon, TX 76384

940-553-3311