Police Communications Officer

SUMMARY:

The Police Communications Officer, under supervision, handles routine and emergency radio, telephone calls (emergency and non-emergency) for service following special or written instructions for transmitting and routing calls. Supports efficient operations and coordinates activities between department and external agencies and various contacts.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitors radio traffic, answers incoming phone calls (including emergency and non-emergency calls), dispatches officers to calls; maintains a handwritten and computer log of all officer activities; enters information into the computer record-keeping system and prints needed paperwork for officers in a timely manner.  Archival duties include periodic scanning of police reports, written dispatch logs, and other records.
• Coordinates services with other agencies concerning emergencies and vital information.
• Verifies amount owed for outstanding parking citations via computer so officers and security officers know if a vehicle is in compliance with parking regulations, or eligible to be booted.  Files all tickets, motorist assist waivers, radio logs, reports, and other paperwork.  Provides visitor or temporary parking permits after hours when a cashier is not available.  Takes payments for vehicle boot removals after hours when a cashier is not available.
• Monitors local weather via TLETS and the National Weather Service for impending inclement weather, and makes appropriate notifications as required by agency policy.  Remains prepared to operate tornado siren in order to alert the community in the event tornadoes are seen. 
• Monitors campus alarm system (including fire, burglar, and other types of alarms).  Remains familiar with current practices and makes all necessary notifications in a timely manner. Monitors campus security cameras.  Has the ability to check archived footage.
• Notifies appropriate personnel as required to advise them of emergency situations on campus. Contacts campus counselors at an officer’s request for emergency mental health issues.
• Female dispatchers may be asked to pat-search female offenders, when no female officer is available.
• Gathers information for officers’ reports via TLETS/NLETS and/or from other agencies.  May be called as a witness for paperwork in criminal trials.
• Contacts other personnel (i.e., maintenance, Safety, hall directors, etc.)  after hours of problems requiring immediate attention relating to campus buildings.  Generates online work orders for maintenance problems that are not of an emergency nature.
• Calls wrecker service to respond to an officer’s request, such as for wrecked vehicles, vehicles being impounded, etc.  Also will contact a wrecker as a courtesy for persons on campus needing that service. Relays location and other pertinent information about the vehicle to be towed to the wrecker service.
• Identifies authorized personnel in academic buildings by monitoring, organizing and updating building authorization letters. Monitors contractual workers on campus after hours such as weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Works with customers and complainants in a respectful and professional manner.  Works cooperatively with other departments on campus and other outside agencies.
• Gives directions to campus-related activities and, on occasion, directions in town.
• Inventories items placed in lost and found. Contacts owners of property when that information is available.  Maintains dated, detailed, logs of lost and found articles for legal purposes.
• Takes reservations for university vehicles.  Maintains a fleet calendar, listing all pertinent information.  Checks the vehicles in and out, completing the proper documents and checking computer records to verify that the driver has completed the required training.  Notifies Maintenance of any reported fleet vehicle problems. Maintains a log of all disabled vehicles on campus.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Six months experience as a Police Department Communications Officer, law enforcement dispatch, or relevant administrative experience (answering incoming calls, data entry, customer service and information gathering). Communication skills. Keyboarding skills.
• Ability to: Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Ability to work under stress. Ability to comprehend technical aspects of communications equipment.
• Licensing/Professional Certifications: Hired personnel shall be required to attend and pass state-mandated certification classes.
• Physical Requirements: None
• Other Requirements: First five weeks of employment are on the job training and hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Due to the position you are applying for requires access to CJI systems, if it is found you have any of the following convictions on your criminal history report your application will be disqualified: 

  Felony Conviction

  Felony Deferred Adjudication

  Class A Misdemeanor Conviction

  Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication

  Family Violence Conviction

Open arrest for any criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) will be disqualified until disposition.

The following will be a disqualified for the amount of time listed:

Class B Misdemeanor Conviction – 10 years Class B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication – 10 years

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

NA

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

None

WHY WORK AT EAST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY?

Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance:

• Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• ETAMU contributes to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
• Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.

Career Growth & Development:

• Access to cutting-edge research opportunities at a designated R2 Research Institution.

Academic Excellence:

• ETAMU is ranked among the top 30% in five online degree programs and offers national recognized academic programs.
• Over 140 degree programs, including nationally ranked online and graduate options.
• First accredited institution to offer a competency-based bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
• Distance education offerings in Corsicana, Dallas, Frisco, McKinney, Mesquite, Bryan, and online.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

• Work in advanced facilities such as the 113,470-square-foot Nursing and Health Sciences Building, featuring a state-of-the-art simulation hospital and a 1,300-acre agricultural research farm.

Vibrant Campus Life:

• Engage with over 95 student organizations and 14 NCAA Division I athletic teams, contributing to a thriving campus community.

Prime Location & Growth:

• Enjoy the benefits of working in rapidly growing regions, with abundant career opportunities at six locations across Dallas and Northeast Texas.

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