Police Communications Officer

Police Communications Support

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of skilled technical, administrative and office support tasks, in a fast-paced office setting, related to the Police communications function; under direct supervision of the Administrative Division Supervisor and / or other supervisory staff and may receive technical and functional supervision from other administrative or professional personnel. This is a Law Enforcement Support Group position and Essential Personnel position, which may require work after-hours, weekends, and / or during a declared state of emergency. Duties include customer service, telephone answering, 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. Performs other related duties as assigned.

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• 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.
• Responds to walk-ins; receives and timestamps subpoenas; 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 timesheet 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Ability to learn and use TDD, multi-line telephone, and radios; good knowledge of office practices and procedures including filing and basic record keeping. Good knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment including word processing and computer equipment, copiers, fax machines and printers. Good knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Good knowledge of business letter writing and typing formats. Good knowledge of basic mathematics. Good organizational skills; good listening skills.

Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide; ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form; ability to follow instruction / direction / ability to be a team player; ability to interact with others effectively in a professional, courteous and diplomatic manner; ability to remain calm in high stress situations and to remain in control; ability to use sound judgment and make decisions quickly.

Ability to read, speak clearly, and write in English; ability to read, speak, and write in Spanish and / or other languages preferable, for some positions in this class; ability to work various shifts.

Ability to learn and use FCIC / NCIC, Local County computer, and CAD; good knowledge of personal computers with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

Required Education & Experience : High school diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by one (1) year full-time customer service experience. Police or Public Safety Dispatcher preferred.

Licenses and / or Certifications : Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator certification required within 90 days of employment.

The essential job functions of this position will require the employee to perform the following physical activities. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis : On a continuous basis, sit at desk and / or stand at for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear and talk with the public; read presented documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means. On occasion required to drive a vehicle, to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, taste, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach; lift or carry weight regularly of 10 pounds and on occasion weight of up to 30 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

There is a one-year probationary period. It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and / or certifications as a job requirement. Salary will be based on qualifications.