Communications Dispatcher

Under close supervision, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, identifies and dispatches appropriate law enforcement, fire and emergency service units, and gathers and relays critical information; complies with Police and Fire Department policies and procedures to assure the safety of officers and the public.The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Provides Public Safety Dispatch services for Police and Fire agencies; keeps track of a wide variety of law enforcement and emergency services resources, personnel, incidents and trends.
• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls; interviews callers and gathers details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches emergency responders; relays pertinent information to law enforcement and emergency services officers in a concise, organized and understandable manner; maintains records and logs.
• Follows all Department policies and procedures to assure that officer and public safety is the top priority; contacts other law enforcement and emergency services agencies for additional information and resources as needed, and relays information regarding incidents.
• Provides detailed call information to officers as needed; maintains status and awareness of Police patrol unit locations; monitors message traffic and relays information to officers.
• Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for law enforcement personnel through Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS); enters emergency assistance calls into the computer aided dispatch incident logs; inputs information into the ACJIS computer system.
• Enters data for warrants, subpoenas, records and reports; queries system databases as requested; collects statistical data and compiles data for reports; receives and sends information to and from other agencies.
• Provides information, instructions and assistance to the public within scope of authority.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required. 

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of equipment utilized in law enforcement communications including radio, computer and dispatch equipment.
• Knowledge of law enforcement patrol procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of Police and Fire Departments’ standard dispatch policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of record keeping and records management.
• Knowledge of the geography, roads, and landmarks of Eloy and surrounding areas.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Skill in obtaining information from hostile or emotional citizens.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately.
• Skill in remembering names, numbers and locations, and reading maps quickly and accurately.
• Skill in working under pressure of deadlines, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, officials, other agencies and the general public. 
• Skill in public relations and customer service.
• Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written.

High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) year’s customer service experience; ability to type 35 words per minute; law enforcement agency experience is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
Must possess State of Arizona Driver's license; successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required; must obtain Terminal Operator Certification for access to Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS), Arizona Crime Information Center (ACIC), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).