Receive requests for police, fire, and emergency assistance from the public, including calls from the deaf using TDD and Texas Relay and relays calls for service to the appropriate agency or units. Perform all dispatch functions of the Department and the Bee Cave Police Department as well as the city’s public works, code enforcement staff, Lakeway Municipal Utility District emergency response personnel, and in emergencies may, liaison with other law enforcement, regulatory and related agencies such as CAPCOG, TLETS, and Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Receive phone and walk-in requests for assistance. Maintain a positive attitude.

Reports to: Police Telecommunications Manager

Supervises: none

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assigns and broadcasts all police calls, according to priority, to the nearest available field unit within geographic area of responsibility.
• Receives and relays all information from field to appropriate personnel to ensure all necessary information/equipment is readily available.
• Maintains case logs, radio logs and various formats of recording the police, fire and Lakeway MUD activities.
• Prepares and updates daily records of patrol activities to provide daily dispatching documentation.
• Informs field officers of major incidents, hazardous situations or locations.
• Monitors and/or assists on police matters such as: prisoner search, warrant confirmation, stolen property inquiries, message/bulletin broadcasts.
• Sends and receives messages on the teletype, listing wanted or missing persons and/or stolen articles in NCIC/TCIC (the FBI and DPS files).
• Monitors computers, any incoming dispatch requests, phone and officers though out shift, and ensure prompt processing of requests and requested information.
• Exercises proper judgment when dealing with emergency situations.
• Communicates courteously with the general public and answers questions that may arise about services provided.
• Communicates effectively via police radio, telephone, and in person, with co-workers and all others, including persons of diverse backgrounds and in altered emotional and psychological states.
• Conveys a positive professional image by action, communication and appearance.
• Exhibits regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Contributes to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.
• Assists administration staff with projects/programs as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of computer programs, related technical equipment and dispatch codes, or ability to develop such knowledge.
• Proficiency in operating a computer terminal, a two-way radio, standard radio broadcasting procedures and rules and dispatch office procedures.
• Must have or develop a thorough knowledge of geographic layout of the area served.

Skills/ability to

• Listen, hear and speak clearly and distinctly in the English language.
• Communicate effectively and diplomatically, both orally and in writing.
• Manage several emergency situations at one time and use good judgment in determining proper response.
• Effectively respond to a multi-task, stressful or high pressure environment prioritizing emergency and non-emergency communication in a calm manner.
• Keyboard at a corrected speed of at least 35 words per minute.
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, City officials, vendors, other government agencies, other employees and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment is primarily an office setting, where noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• Subject to high stress situations, including receiving details of criminal acts of violence.
• Shift schedule varies, including after-hours, evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Work may occasionally require travel, including over-night stays, involving training or conducting City business.
• The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: grasping, handling, hearing, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.