Communications Officer

The Front Royal Police Department is seeking a Communications Officer to perform technical work dispatching law enforcement and other equipment and personnel, usually in response to emergency situations. The Communications Division is a 24-hour, 7 days a week operation and is the hub of the Police Department. Communications Officer's handle over 20,000 calls per year and are the first point of contact the public has with the Police Department. They are also responsible for all incoming telephone calls, including 911 calls, and all walk-in complaints.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule:

• 12-Hour Shifts, 2-3-2 Rotation
• Weekend Availability (Required)
• Holiday Availability (Required)
• Overtime

The Town offer excellent benefits to include automatic enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System; 457 Deferred Compensation with pretax or Roth options; health, vision, dental, wellness, and employee assistance benefits; generous paid time off; 14 paid holidays; disability, life, and supplemental insurances; and tuition assistance.

The Town of Front Royal is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, marital status, disability (physical/mental), family medical history, or genetic information, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all the following essential duties:

1. Receive emergency calls, determine location and nature of emergency, and dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment. 
2. Responsible for dissemination, data entry and file maintenance of all calls for service (emergency and non-emergency related), radio and phone traffic and service-related activities.
3. Provides communications support and assistance to police officers and other Town of Front Royal employees within the communications area of responsibility.
4. Receive and forward service requests, complaints, and other calls for departments served by the communications center.
5. Provides assistance to the general public; provides information and directions; handle route inquiries or problems to appropriate police staff members.
6. A working knowledge of all resource manuals and directories ensuring quick and efficient requests for assistance or referrals including but not limited to the following:

1. VCIN/NCIC
2. Criminal Histories
3. Quick Reference Guide
4. Business Directories
5. Trespass Reference
6. Emergency Operations Plans
7. Shift Reports/Schedules
8. BOL/TTY Board
9. Knox Log
10. EPO Board
11. Department Policy & Procedures Manual
12. Memo Board
13. Ensure proper protocols are followed.
14. Operates multi-faceted dedicated communications devices, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management, VCIN/NCIC terminal, Voice recording systems, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), FAX and Copy machine, etc.
15. Perform clerical work and records maintenance and all other duties as directed by the Communications Supervisor and all higher authority.
16. Perform related tasks as required.

Requirements
Education:  High School Diploma/GED
Experience:  One (1) year of work experience.  Possession of, or ability to obtain, dispatcher certificate within 12 months of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Dispatch related hardware and software.
• Police Department rules, regulation, policies and procedures.
• Public relations techniques.
• Report writing techniques and procedures.
• Geography of the Town of Front Royal and surrounding areas to include locations of important buildings and landmarks.

Skills

• Communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing
• Deal with the public in a tactful and respectful manner.
• Work quickly and accurately.

Abilities

• Work during regular and irregular shift rotations, which may include weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload of staffing difficulties.
• Work under stress and use good judgement in emergency situations.
• Type at a reasonable rate of speed.
• Speak distinctly and clearly.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Work Environment

• Office environment; climate-controlled environment; may require occasional exposure to outside elements
• The office environment is typically quiet, but busy.   Conditions also include meeting several deadlines and managing several requests/situations at one time.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work shift work
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods of time; vocal communication to exchange ideas; use hands to handle, or feel objects with repetitive motions, tools, or control; reach with hands and arms; travel short distances within the office; 
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds; view reports and computer screens with visual acuity; and concentrate for extended periods of time with attention to detail and accuracy.