COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Description

Primary duties consist of operating the communications console, teletype network and computer system, input of dispatch related information. Additionally, to provide timely and accurate transmittal of information and messages received regarding police operations and public information. The work involves extensive contacts with law enforcement officers and personnel providing other municipal services, and the general public. This is a position that has a tremendous amount of responsibility to be able to act and react in a safe, efficient manner for the protection of life and property. Must be willing to adopt and exhibit the City of Brownwood “I SERVE” Core Values.

Examples of Duties

1) Answer telephone and transmit messages to proper authorities; 2) Operate two-way communication equipment, coordinate by radio with local police units and other law enforcement agencies and other departments of the City and businesses providing emergency services; 3) Operate the teletype, send/receive and file messages; 4) Meet and assist the public who enter the police building for information and route them to the proper place for assistance; 5) Initiate a written Calls for Service (CFS) report that will be entered into the computer as time permits, for all activity, including all actions of the officers, telephone or walk-in complaints from the public, or coordination of services with other City departments; 6) Provide the police personnel with current information through inquiry capability into the departments history files, outstanding warrants file, known offenders file, as authorized; 7) Serves as 911 call taker, receiving and dispatching 911 calls as necessary; 8) Maintain log for all required forms for entry into the system, National Crime Information Center; 9) When requested by officer, provide for call-out emergency services such as ambulance, wrecker service, fire, street, utility or other departments; burglary alarm notification and essential services required from gas and electric companies; 10) Input data into and retrieve data from several types of computer systems; 11) Travel out of town to attend training when assigned; 12) Perform other duties as required by supervisor for the efficient operation of the police department.

Typical Qualifications

High school diploma or G.E.D. certificate; prefer one year as dispatcher or related experience. Computer knowledge desirable. On the job training will be provided. Must participate in training schools made available, as required by supervisor.
General knowledge of law enforcement work; must be familiar with identifying geographical locations of City streets on a map and be able to give accurate information to officers on patrol; Must be familiar with geographical locations of streets in Brownwood and have a general knowledge of county roads and highways in the county as well as landmarks in the county, i.e. Lake Brownwood, Bangs, Brookesmith, Camp Bowie, etc.; Must be able to use teletype by touch system with accuracy and speed, and work with computer system keyboard; must have a clear, distinct voice for radio communication transmissions and in answering the telephone; ability to work under conditions of stress and still maintain a pleasant disposition to other employees and the public; must have the ability to memorize and interpret codes governing radio use; due to the nature of police work, employees must be cautioned that they are not to relate information regarding some police activities unless authorized by their supervisors.

Supplemental Information

Indoor work, pleasant and unpleasant conditions. Exposure to noise. Light physical activity. Ability to sit, stand and move about an office or building. Employee occasionally lifts materials weighing approximately 20-30 pounds or climbs in order to reach cabinets. Ability to bend and squat in order to file or retrieve information. May be exposed to electrical, mechanical, or chemical hazards when operating or maintaining office equipment. Ability to see and handle small objects. Due to the nature of police work, dispatchers undergo a high stress factor in determining a situation and have to make quick, accurate decisions in transmitting information. Work involves shift work with shift changes every three months, working on weekends and holidays. Overtime required on as-needed basis.
Frequent contact with the general public and law enforcement personnel from several different agencies.
REQUIRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:
1) Telecommunications operator certificate required as provided for in the Laws of the State of Texas and rules of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement; prefer acquisition of certification within six months; must acquire state licensing within one year.
2) Required to attend TCIC/NCIC Course within 6 months of hire.
3) Required to attend Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications (TLETS) and National Law Enforcement Telecommunications (NLETS) School within 1 year of hire.
4) Attend other training schools as needed.
5) Must complete NIMS IS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 within 1 year of hire.
6) May be required to be a Notary Public.

**Please complete the supplemental application forms found at the following link:

https://brownwood.na4.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhDQVw805m1p2GZAIokYXKDiLfU8hk614OaZirksyZRpa0WQFXXpoRS_EfW6rG2W9ik*

Internal Applicants:

If you are a current employee applying for this postion as a transfer or promotion, please attach the following documents to your NeoGov application before submitting:

• Your completed Transfer/Promotion Application Form
• a cover letter addressed to the hiring manager