Telecommunicator I

The purpose of this position is to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service by dispatching police units while monitoring the status of the call and maintaining contact with all appropriate emergency service agencies. The position requires professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality while coordinating communication during emergency and non-emergency scenarios.

• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls from the public by dispatching police response; communicates with callers to obtain accurate and essential information; may handle multiple emergency calls simultaneously; analyzes information collected to determine the appropriate response unit; uses a two-way radio, telephone messages, and multi-line phone systems.
• Enters call information into the computer using a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, and NCIC/ACJIC systems; ensures accuracy of information entered while maintaining contact with the reporting party so the original call is regularly updated
• Continually relays and records accurate, updated information to necessary parties as received in order to assist with establishing priority and timely response to calls; records vital information; inputs and retrieves computerized data
• Notifies supervisor of all emergency and serious complaints and calls.
• Enters new warrants into computer system; purges warrant recalls from database; performs driver’s license checks on new warrants to retrieve expiration dates; retrieves criminal and driver histories for officers, jail staff, and the court system, as needed.
• Monitors camera system for security of employees, visitors, and prisoners
• Receives and dispatches calls for animal control
• Assists other police divisions as necessary when not actively responding to a call.
• Serves as receptionist and switchboard operator, and receives and disburses phone messages as necessary.
• Attends training and/or meetings
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic functions.

• Knowledge of applicable rules and regulations, applicable laws and ordinances, and operating procedures
• Skill in operating, maneuvering and/or controlling the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Skill in technical computer applications such CAD and GIS.
• Skill in operating two-way radio and multi-line phone system
• Ability to calculate and/or tabulate data. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.
• Ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.  Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor while managing an emergency situation
• Ability to respond promptly to emergency calls
• Ability to utilize multiple software systems or databases while using a phone line and/or radio simultaneously

Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; supplemented by four (4) months previous experience and/or training radio communications, public safety dispatching, or personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.   

Licenses or Certifications: Valid State of Alabama driver’s license; valid NCIC Terminal Operator certification; Alabama Public Safety Communications Officer (APCO) certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force. Work requires the ability to exert very moderate physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office environment. Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.