CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB VACANCY

TITLE: Police Dispatcher

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: (1) Provisional

Grade 3A $21.1414- $33.9065 per hour

**Must be a resident of Niagara Falls, NY within 6 months of appointment**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is important public safety communications work involving the taking and sending of messages by radio, telephone, teletype and by other modern electronic communications equipment used in receiving and transmitting messages and dispatching personnel and equipment as the situation requires. The position also involves receiving and handling 911 emergency telephone calls. The work involves a three-shift around-the-clock operation. General supervision is received from an assigned superior with leeway allowed in emergency situations for exercise of independent judgment in taking prompt and appropriate action. The Police Dispatcher performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Receives telephone calls from public concerning crimes and emergencies;

Broadcasts to police units to investigate complaint calls with the aid of a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, and relays instructions or questions from remote units;

Receives and handles 911 emergency telephone calls;

Transmits and receives messages between divisions of own agency and other law enforcement

Agencies;

Coordinates all police and other emergency requests, relaying instructions to radio unit concerned;

Monitors silent alarm system to detect illegal entries;

Contacts police personnel to verify assignment locations;

Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency;

Records date, time, type of call and destination of messages received or transmitted;

Maintains various records, such as warrant files and stolen vehicles;

Monitors radio systems of other law enforcement agencies;

Monitors radio systems of other City departments;

Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of the geography of the City of Niagara Falls; thorough knowledge of the use of the telephone and simple switchboard operation; ability to operate radio receivers and transmitters; ability to enter information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to write legibly and keep accurate records; ability to use correct English in a clear voice; emotional stability; ability to maintain alertness during a shift; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

POLICE DISPATCHER (continued)

specialist; good knowledge of modern library organizations, procedures, policies, aims and services; skill and accuracy in the performance of technical library tasks; ability to perform as a team member in the planning and implementation of automation or other library programs; ability to think critically to understand the needs of library patrons and groups and to prescribe information or materials accordingly; ability to carry out library policies and procedures; ability to read and comprehend library literature and research; ability to express ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to groups and individuals; ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others; tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EITHER

(A) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of satisfactory clerical or telephone switchboard experience which must have included six (6) months of keyboard entry experience or completion of a course in keyboard entry;

OR

(B) Six (6) years of satisfactory clerical or telephone switchboard experience which must have included six (6) months of keyboard entry experience or completion of a course in keyboard entry.

NOTE: Additional education beyond high school may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis except that the six (6) months keyboard entry experience or completion of a course in keyboard entry is required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.14 - $33.92 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Rotating shift

Work Location: In person