Communications Officer

Under general supervision, this position monitors police radio and telephone systems for the City of Foley Police Department. Tracks all communications between Police Officers and the department during shift. Receives all complaint calls and dispatches emergency personnel according to standard operating procedures. Keeps records of all activities during shift. Dispatches calls received to officers. Answers phone calls. Runs driver’s licenses, tags, etc., through NCIC and completes paperwork as necessary for the situation. Enters calls received into the CAD system, enters warrants, and clears warrants. Performs officer safety checks. Reports to the Communications Supervisor.

• Monitors multiple radio channels to receive and transmit emergency and non-emergency radio traffic.
• Receives phone calls for police and non-police assistance for both emergencies and non-emergencies.
• Ascertains incident information by obtaining and verifying caller information and location, determining the nature of the incident and all available data.
• Interacts with other agencies as needed for medical or other police agency assistance.
• Documents incident details quickly and accurately to establish incident urgency, categorizing the incident type, and obtaining proper help for the caller. Demonstrates clear, effective communication and active listening with public safety responders using appropriate terminology, codes, and signals. Relays initial information for dispatch accurately, reviewing the call for service details, and assuming incident command until first responders arrive.
• Utilizes NCIC to run checks on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, wanted/missing persons and check for stolen items.
• Monitors NCIC for messages and advisories and disseminates information appropriately.
• Maintains chain of custody for records and documentation used in court proceedings and legal discovery. 
• Receives, enters, modifies, and files warrants from the court.
• Pulls, clears, and completes appropriate paperwork for warrants when served.
• Utilizes the CADS (Computer Aided Dispatch System) to log calls for police, logs the movement of officers from call to call, and records actions taken on calls answered by police officers.
• Utilizes the mapping system to determine jurisdictional lines and agency responsibility and notifies the appropriate personnel.
• Utilizes a variety of computer software essential to the duties of a Communications Officer such as CADS, NCIC, AlaCOP, Fonality, etc.

Additional Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or its equivalent and one (1) year of experience in a job related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Special Qualifications:
Ability to obtain NCIC Certification.
Successful applicant must pass a psychological examination, drug test, a full driving and criminal background check, and polygraph examination.