2026-27 Communication Officer

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

Responsible for coordinating and facilitating police response in order to maintain a safe learning and work environment.  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education/Certification: 

High School Diploma or equivalent, required 

Texas Telecommunications Operator training as approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and Education (TCOLE), preferred (required within one year of employment)  

TLETS, NLETS, TCIC, and NCIC, preferred (required within one year of employment) 

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions 

Must not be on probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class ‘C’ Misdemeanor and must not ever have been convicted of a felony offense in any state 

Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation 

Must possess the necessary skills to operate communications and computer equipment 

Must be able to communicate effectively using telephone and 2-way equipment 

Must have a clear and understandable voice 

Bilingual in English and Spanish, required 

Knowledge of telecommunications systems, alarm system monitoring equipment, and closed circuit video equipment, preferred 

Experience: 

Two (2) years of experience as a police dispatcher or other emergency services dispatcher, preferred  

Two (2) years of experience as a Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (TLETS) operator, preferred 

Work Days:  244

Police Dept Pay Structure:  Pay Grade 1

Pay Date:  Monthly

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum:   $18.00

Midpoint:    $21.43

Maximum:  $24.86

Note:  Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

1. Answer telephone inquiries and assistance requests in a courteous and professional manner. 
2. Disseminate and receive information to and from police officers in the field and other MISD personnel and monitor all traffic on the radio net. 
3. Monitor and interpret incoming information from the alarm computer system and take appropriate action on fire, intrusion, and emergency signals transmitted from the monitored sites. 
4. Maintain and submit all required logs and reports in a neat, legible, and timely manner.
5. Maintain all required records.
6. Monitor the closed circuit video system and take appropriate action when suspicious or emergency activities are observed.
7. Assume responsibility for the issuance of radios, key, flashlights, and related equipment maintained in the Dispatch Office and ensure that necessary issuance logs are properly filled out in a timely manner.
8. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
9. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Telephones, computers, two-way radio, teletype, closed circuit television system, and standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Reading; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) in English; maintain emotional stress under control; exhibit rapid mental decision making ability to effectively handle disturbances or distractions

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Ability to stand, prolonged sitting, lift up to (20) pounds; rotating shifts; work alone and irregular hours including weekends and holidays.

Specific vision abilities 20/20 (corrected) include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the

ability to adjust focus. (for appropriate computer aided dispatch (CAD) officer purposes.