Police Telecommunicator I

ENTRY SALARY:  $51,077.75

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under general supervision, the Police Telecommunicator I receive and takes both  emergency (including 911 and text-to-911) and non-emergency calls, inputs information into computerized systems and communicates information to emergency personnel in the field.  Coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to emergency and non-emergency situations. Manages the activities of numerous officers and prioritizes incidents in a stressful, fast-paced environment.

This recruitment is for the Police Department. Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Aides, assists, and coordinates the activities of police officers working incidents and situations within the City; answers 911 line, engages with citizens, and dispatches personnel where needed.

• Answers and receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches calls for service based upon call prioritization; disseminates and communicates information to officers using a police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.

• Monitors and manages officers location and status; checks locations officers are being sent to for cautions or hazards and advises officers; maintains  communication with officers while on calls to ensure safety and dispatches back-up officer(s) if needed or requested; provides assistance and support for officers in the field.

• Answers, responds, and engages with various callers; gathers vital information for officers from callers in various stages of emotional distress; communicates with victims of crimes and maintains composure, tact, and professionalism when handling challenging situations and gathering critical information.

• Provides professional and effective communication between multiple agencies in split jurisdiction situations; assists with information gathering and communication and facilitates teamwork.

• Runs checks for warrants and other required information for field officers utilizing the FCIC/NCIC system; provides information on stolen vehicles, stolen articles, missing people and other field requests.

• Contacts local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide or receive information.

• May provide training for new Telecommunicator personnel; monitors training activities and tracks performance and evaluates skill; completes necessary paperwork to track training activities performed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

• A valid State driver's license is required.

• State Mandated 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within a one-year period.

• FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification.

This position is required to operate the below equipment, machines, tools, and other work aides:

Fax, copier, radio, phone, headset, personal computer & related software, and other equipment as assigned.

Employees selected for this position must meet FDLE guidelines in order to access sensitive and/or confidential information. Applicants with arrest histories for felonies or serious misdemeanors may be denied access to this information and as such, will not meet the minimum qualifications for a position with the City of Clearwater.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND six (6) months of related work experience is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge of - 

• Various computer programs and databases

• Office practices, procedures, and equipment

• Dispatching activities including radio communications

• Police department practices and procedures

• Florida Laws, City of Clearwater and Pinellas County ordinances, and regulations

• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records

• General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment

Skill in - 

• Multitasking and handling intense or concerning situations

• Understanding and applying laws

• Prioritizing calls based on level of emergency

• Reading maps and giving direction

• Communicating effectively with police and other agencies

• Completing tasks given both orally and in writing

• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute

• Training Telecommunicator personnel

• Establishing and maintaining strong office relationships

• Handling emergencies/stress/shifting priorities with tact and professionalism

• FCIC/NCIC (full access within 6 months)

• Operating multiple computers/software simultaneously