Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB:

Ensures smooth operation of day-to-day telecommunication and records functions for the Police Department. Must be flexible and willing to work days, evenings, nights, holidays and weekends as needed or as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to Communications Supervisor.
• This is a non-supervisory position.
• Works closely by telephone, radio, teletype or computer, or in person with other employees of the department, other departments and agencies, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: This is a description of the way this job is currently performed; there is potential for accommodation.

• Receives incoming calls on both the telephone and two-way radio (including utilities, fire, animal control and 911 calls), evaluates calls, and dispatches or directs calls to appropriate staff, officers, and/or agencies.
• Informs 911 callers of emergency procedures when able.
• Dispatches appropriate units for emergencies, monitors situation, and records outcome.
• Performs computer-assisted and manual records checks for officers on individuals, locations, vehicles and other property, sometimes verifying warrants or reports of stolen property.
• Maintains, updates, and accesses various logs, offense and accidentreport files and computer data files for all officer activities (incident reports, maintains arrest, makes envelope jackets for warrants received and files appropriately reports stolen or repossessed property logs, maps, shift logs, etc.) Completes forms and reports either on the computer or typewriter and sends and receives teletype messages.
• Acts as receptionist, including answering telephone for police and other departments, taking messages, rerouting calls, locating and dispatching on-call personnel, handling walk-in traffic, making copies, and providing information to employees and general public.
• Monitors location of emergency response personnel at all times.
• Relay pertinent information regarding criminal activity, stolen and repossessed vehicles, etc. to officers via radio and to Communications Operator on next shift.
• Monitors commercial and residential alarm systems notifying owners of claim and logging alarm information.
• Maintains current technical and medical knowledge relevant to telecommunication, including reading appropriate newsletters and publications.
• Serves in extension of current duties as required for emergency management, particularly in the areas of staff alert, communication, public warning.
• Assists persons at front counter requesting information or staff contact. Responds to citizen’s comments and complaints as rapidly as possible. Refers difficult situations to supervisors.
• Responds to in person and telephone inquiries and distributes information to customers and other agencies as requested. (Police Reports, Accident Reports, etc) Accepts various payments and maintains cash drawer.
• Processes, maintains and updates all incident report case files. Inspects submitted paperwork for accuracy.
• Prepares all court paperwork for Municipal and JP courts, County and District Attorney and Juvenile Probation.
• Prepares accident reports on a monthly basis for submission to TXDOT. Handles all corrections and resubmissions.
• Enters citations into database and checks for accuracy.
• Sorts and distributes mail and faxes received throughout workday. Process mail inquiries from insurance companies requesting police or accident reports and issues receipts. Performs notary duties as required.
• May assist with training of new employees.
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Police department procedures, rules and regulations;
• Emergency procedures;
• Radio transmission procedures;
• Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations governing operation of radio and teletype transmitting and receiving

Ability to:

• Operate computer, two-way radio, and teletype equipment;
• Accurately type at least 45 words per minute;
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Work tactfully with the general public including persons in crisis situations;
• Speak clearly and concisely;
• Accurately handle several items at one time during stressful situations;
• Adapt quickly to changing priorities;
• Assess degree of urgency quickly and accurately during stressful situations
• Read procedure and coding manuals, police reports and teletype messages;
• Write accurate and coherent messages and reports;
• Calculating ages, expiration dates, time, etc;
• Maintain accurate records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships; 
• Maintain appropriate necessary certifications;
• Regular and timely attendance is required; and
• Work well with others; performance requires team work.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• High school graduate, or its equivalent,
• Related experience or training and/or special law enforcement telecommunications training desirable but not required
• Or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES REQUIRED:

• TLETS/ NLETS Operator / TCIC-NCIC and Communication license from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within 1 year of employment.
• Basic Telecommunications Course #1013 and Crisis Communications #2120 training from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within 1 year.
• TDD/TTY and 9-1-1 Equipment certification from CAPCOG within 3 months.
• Other training as mandated by law.