COMMUNITY SAFETY DISPATCHER

COMMUNITY SAFETY DISPATCHER

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PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

$26.99 - $33.36 Per Hour

Eligible for Overtime

Definition

Administrative and technical work dispatching the town's public safety personnel; all other related work as required.

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the Senior Crime Analyst & Communications Supervisor and Shift Commander.

Performs a variety of responsible dispatching and administrative functions, in accordance with established standard operating procedures; uses independent judgment to determine the correct response to calls and in dispatching all necessary personnel and equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed under police station conditions with moderate to loud noise levels; position can involve stressful situations. Employee is required to work night, weekend or holiday schedules, on a rotating basis.

The employee operates all dispatching equipment, including radio equipment and police scanner; operates NCIC/LEAPS computer terminal; operates standard office equipment.

The employee has ongoing contact with the general public, requiring excellent customer service skills; also has frequent contact with other town departments, state and federal agencies and officials.

The employee has access to confidential criminal investigation records.

Errors could be costly with regard to loss of and damage to life and property and may result in legal repercussions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Takes incoming calls of an emergency, non-emergency, or business nature; obtains all pertinent information; relays information to public safety personnel involved in the situation.

Dispatches safety, service, and other appropriate personnel to calls, as required; coordinates back-up support activities via radio; determines priorities among calls for service; keeps supervisory personnel aware of priority calls and equipment status.

Maintains reporting on computer-aided dispatching systems; performs data entry on computer to enter service calls ensuring that entries are concise and accurate; updates files, and maintains accurate, detailed records, logs and other pertinent information.

Maintains constant and diligent monitoring of the radio system; monitors computer to track unit status; ensures rapid response of police to fire or emergency calls.

Communicates via telephone or radio with other agencies, such as utility companies, alarm services, ambulances, town and state highway departments, animal control officers, towing agencies, hospitals, water departments, etc.

Operates NCIC/LEAPS computer terminal to obtain or input information on persons, property, and vehicles in nationwide law enforcement network for officers and administrators.

May be required to train new employees assigned to dispatch duties.

Ascertains that all radio equipment is properly functioning and reports any breakdown or defects immediately to the officer in charge; records administrative events regarding equipment failures, personnel absences, and other events.

Maintains all certifications, licenses and professional associations in order to keep abreast of current dispatching procedures.

Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma; two years of experience in a responsible position involving work with the public; some work experience in emergency services is helpful; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

Certified in enhanced 9-1-1 systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Ability to obtain and maintain EMD certification

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Working knowledge of the layout of the town, as well as local businesses and landmarks. Familiarity with related rules, regulations, orders, policies and procedures. Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing. Working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Basic understanding of the police and fire departments' operations and familiarity with town bylaws.

Ability to learn communications systems' techniques. Ability to handle emergency situations calmly, promptly and efficiently while under stress. Ability to think clearly in a crisis situation. Ability to elicit needed information from a caller who may be a child, injured or incapacitated. Ability to read, write and speak English clearly and give clear directions over the radio and telephone. Ability to attend to a number of details occurring simultaneously, and do so with accuracy.

Must be able to type and operate computer at efficient speed. Skill in record keeping.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort is generally required. Ability to operate a keyboard and sit at the computer and dispatching equipment for long periods of time. Ability to operate dispatching equipment and all other related emergency equipment at efficient speed. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and use a computer.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Administrative Note: Both Police and Fire should be involved in vetting process.

Code : 8-2

Location : COMMUNITY SAFETY - CIVILIANS

Grade : MC 6

Group : 680 UNION

Job Class : DISPATCHER

Posting Start : 11/03/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

Details : Applicant Tracking

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