NATURE OF WORK

This position involves answering incoming calls from the public, for both Police and Fire Departments, collecting accurate information needed, and dispatching the appropriate personnel necessary.  This position involves a wide variety of duties and responsibilities which occur in the daily routine of the Police Department.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General

Ability to dispatch immediately without waiting for specific instructions the necessary personnel and equipment as may be needed to handle all complaints and requests for both Police and Fire assistance which ordinarily require such action.

Knowledge of the location of all streets, buildings, parks and other general information regarding the City and shall, when it is necessary and expedient to do so, disregard district boundaries in the dispatching of Police vehicles to incidents requiring the immediate attention of the police.

Consult with immediate shift supervisor when in doubt as to the procedure to be followed in dealing with a call.

Maintain a daily activity report at the end of each shift total all information as may be required from the activity of that shift.

Alert field personnel being sent on hazardous calls with such information relating to the nature of the call as will enable them to take suitable precautions and shall so advise the officer when such information is not available.

Dispatch two or more mobile units to the scene, when the situation requires such action.

Ability to remain calm, articulate and concise when broadcasting.

Always display a courteous manner, and to use a clear, concise voice projection without the use of profanity or vulgarity, and shall refrain from using any angry or impatient tone of voice while broadcasting.

Shall not indulge in any conversations “OVER THE AIR” which do not pertain strictly to police matters.

Acknowledge all radio messages transmitted from mobile units or other police radio stations and take appropriate action.

Remain at radio console at all times while on duty unless relieved by a competent person and shall not allow anyone to use the broadcasting equipment unless authorized by his immediate supervisor.

Remain familiar with and activate all emergency procedures of the department 10 codes relating to holdups, alarms, fires, medical aid, weather, alert, or other matters requiring urgent police attention.

Receive all incoming telephone complaints and other telephone calls and shall answer all calls promptly and courteously and shall expeditiously handle them to obtain proper action to satisfy the complaint.

Perform job responsibilities accurately and exact, use tact and good judgement and keep their immediate supervisor and the Chief of Police fully informed of all serious complaints, accidents, weather bulletins, or unusual request for Police service.

Ensure that all messages to be sent via (N.C.I.C. / A.C.J.I.S.), are typed legibly and shall monitor all incoming messages and expeditiously route them to their proper destination.  

Contact the immediate supervisor for instructions when in doubt as to the proprietary nature of releasing information.

Display courtesy and a businesslike attitude in all conduct with the public and other members and employees of the Department and see that the communications area of the Police Department is kept in a clean and orderly manner.

Acquire as much information as possible when taking a telephone complaint. This information includes the name of the person calling; the telephone number from which the call is being made; the nature of the complaint.  When receiving an ambulance call, it is required to get the exact location either by street number or color of house, etc. and as much information about the nature of the call as possible.

Handle all complaints promptly and courteously and shall expeditiously handle them to obtain proper action to satisfy the complainant.

Ability to learn the operating procedure of E-911 system.

Advise the immediate Shift Supervisor of any equipment problems.

Personnel in this position are required to complete and keep up-to-date their N.C.I.C./A.C.J.I.S. certification.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 Training and experience equivalent to: 

Must be 18 years of age.

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Valid Alabama driver’s license with the ability to be insured by the city’s liability insurance carrier.

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