Police Communications Operator

The Police Communication Operator position performs support to the Police Department. This position is part of the essential personnel classification. The role is assigned to maintain 24/7 coverage of the communication unit; therefore, duties are performed after-hours, weekends, and/or during a declared state of emergency. The Police Communication Operator performs critical duties such as: answering telephone calls, monitoring of radios, typing, word processing, data entry record keeping, filing, and front desk reception and may require the ability to perform difficult and complex clerical and administrative support work using some independent judgment, the role requires to maintain a high level of customer service during interaction with internal and external customers. This position is classified as non-exempt, full-time position with a 40-hour work-week. Essential Functions Monitors several radio frequencies; responds to Police Officer requests as soon as possible ensuring that Police Officer safety is a priority; maintains awareness of the City location of four to seven on duty officers in the field at any given time and up to twenty Officers during holidays and special events. Responds in timely manner to a multilane telephone and TDD telephone ensuring to identify the origination location of the call, who is making the call and then what the need and/or validity of the caller is prior to dispatching an Officer(s). Records all calls; answers calls with appropriate sequenced questions and directs calls appropriately; keeps supervisor informed of calls and dispatches. Monitors three computers for Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC), the local Dade County computer, and the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) confirms that all Officers are in FCIC and local Dade County computers. Logs entries accurately into FCIC for wanted or missing people, stolen or missing items or guns, and restraining orders; keeps FCIC printer supplied with paper and ribbons. Updates WIS System in county computer with Officers' schedules; enters, and maintains, all calls in the CAD system. Checks facsimile machine for correspondence; covers for other Dispatchers as requested and/or required; works a rotating shift as requested or required; maintains various logs. Accurately prepares and submits Commanders Reports in a timely manner; notifies supervisor of call-ins and assists in finding replacements for essential employees. Maintains desk worksheets and other official reports and documents. Checks to ensure all equipment used is in working order. Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other employees, and the public using principles of good customer service; promotes and represents the City to the public in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner. Identifies and/or recommends cost control measures in the delivery of all services and functions in his/her department and under his/her area of responsibility. Additional Duties Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING A High school diploma or GED equivalent. One (1) year full-time experience working as a Police or Public Safety Dispatcher is preferred. Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification required within one (1) year of employment. Must possess a valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.  Minimum Qualifications And Standards Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must be fluent in the English language.  Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus. Must be computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Ability to use computers for data entry. Ability to use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems. Ability to use computers for data entry. Ability to use computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes. Ability to use highly technical computer applications such as GIS or CAD. Must be a non-smoker. The minimum requirements may be waived by the City Manager. Physical Requirements Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels; express ideas through speaking accurately/loudly/quickly; use visual acuity to perform activities such as viewing a computer terminal or determining the accuracy of work; and walk from one work site to another. Ability to hear, make rational decisions and perform activities such as transcribing, viewing a computer terminal and/or extensive reading. Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.