Dispatcher

Under general supervision, the Dispatcher receives incoming calls and complaints, and dispatches county sheriff staff, city police staff and all other emergency vehicles to locations throughout the county. Coordinates personnel in the field under emergency conditions. The Dispatcher is responsible for carrying out the directives of the Sheriff by organizing, directing and coordinating the operations of the county-wide communications system and Law Enforcement records system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives incoming calls by radio, telephone and 911 System and dispatches proper vehicles and personnel to the desired locations.
• Maintains radio logs, RMS and prepares ICR forms on complaint calls received during his/her shift.
• Maintains awareness of deputy locations and all other officers and emergency workers (Fire Dept., GMS, 1^st Response) on duty throughout the county.
• Maintains the 911 system, handling all emergency calls in the county and surrounding counties that are covered by the 911 system, and sending messages to the proper agency and dispatch all including Air Care.
• Monitors all business alarms coming into the dispatch area. Monitors all alarms within the facility and monitors video equipment within the facility to maintain security. Monitors video cameras within the Courthouse.
• Runs drivers license and motor vehicle registration check for all officers in the county, along with requests from courts and probation office.
• Runs criminal history checks for Law Enforcement, Probation, County Attorney, Human Services, and gun applications. Must attend 2-day certification courses to do this. Must re-certify every two years.
• Monitors and maintains weather system to alert spotters if needed. Activates severe weather system during weather or other emergency situations.
• By use of the teletype system, sends switch messages to other areas requested and enters warrants, stolen property, etc. into the state computer system.
• Maintains security throughout the entire facility during and after regular office hours by use of intercoms and cameras to determine who enters the facility and for what reason.
• Dispatches ambulance, police and fire calls for the cities in Redwood County on a 24-hour basis.
• Call out and assist in organizing ERU Team.
• Coordinates backup personnel as required. Calls for additional officers and equipment as requested by first respondent, ERU.
• Maintains logs.
• Issues burn permits for county residents.
• Issues car kill deer permits for DNR.
• Assists jail staff as needed.
• Is responsible for the inspection of inmates as required by the Department of Corrections during the time when jail staff deems necessary.
• Checks wanted person files via the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS);
• Daily process of initial complaint reports (ICRs), seeing that they are completely and accurately filled out.
• Assists Custody Officer when busy, to search work release inmates as they enter or exit the building when going to or coming from work, as necessary.
• Shares duties of keeping dispatch area neat and clean.
• Maintains an effective working relationship with fellow employees.
• Performs all duties in a safe manner, observing all approved safety practices at all times.
• Performs reasonably similar or related duties as assigned.
• Back-up dispatch for North Air Care 3.
• Assigns calls and work assignments to law enforcement, fire and ambulance services. Prioritizes calls and assignments collecting information and disseminating information.
• After hours emergency contact for Redwood Water Department.
• Negotiates with difficult calls, collecting information and dispatching emergency response.
• Responsible for being the answering service for Public Health Service and Human Services from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., weekends and holidays.
• Handles after hour call-outs for the County Highway Department, winter weather storms, flooding, etc.
• Operate door controls throughout Law Enforcement Center.
• Maintain Hot Files.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel so classified. Access to Not Public Data The incumbent may encounter not public data in the course of these duties. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, incumbent must properly store the not public data according to the provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13).

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs other work-related duties as required.
• If a new work assignment requires access to not public data, the incumbent is permitted to access not public data for the work assignment purposes only. Any access to not public data must be strictly limited to the data necessary to complete the work assignment and after the assignment is completed, the employees work assignment no longer requires access.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or equivalent required. One to two years of related college level courses helpful.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

At least one year of related experience which includes the following skills and abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of principals, techniques and practices of the public safety communications system.
• Must have tact, courtesy, good character and good judgment.
• Must be able to work effectively without close supervision.
• A working knowledge of codes, processes and operating requirements of the communication system and multiple computer environments.
• General knowledge of police, fire and EMS operations.
• Working knowledge of the functions, resources and activities of city and county departments with relation to law enforcement, fire and EMS operation.
• Comprehensive skills in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the overall program of communication operations.
• Ability to supervise the work activities of communication center staff to achieve effective law enforcement and emergency communications.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, emergency service providers, other county and city staff and the general public.
• Knowledge of Redwood County geography, incorporated areas, roads and streets.
• The ability to work in a confidential office environment.

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience could provide necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The position has good working conditions in general, but is a diversified job requiring sustained mental effort related to organizational issues, planning and technical areas. This position may encounter people who are angry or irate because of the nature of some of the work performed in the department.

The position has rotating shifts, which includes working some holidays and weekends. This position is a 24/7 position.

The individual will encounter high emotional strain or tension. There is sustained exposure to sitting and standing. There is continuous exposure to computer keyboards and video screens and moderate exposure to lifting up to 40 pounds.

There is always the possibility of exposure to blood borne and airborne diseases from inmates.

Salary : $27 - $38