Public Safety Dispatcher

Summary

Responsible for receiving and responding to emergency and non-emergency calls in order to route calls to the appropriate services.

Salary: Depending on qualifications and experience

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, prioritize and respond to emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and situations.

• Enter and process information received.

• Prioritize and route calls to dispatch.

• Apply policies, procedures, guidelines relating to emergency situations and crime intervention to ensure compliance, safety of citizens and emergency response personnel and prevent liabilities.

• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions, telephone calls and other records and files.

• Correspond or communicate with other Cities, agencies, etc. to confirm or request information of a valid offense report or other law enforcement matters.

• Act as a liaison between the Garland Police and Fire Departments and other City departments and/or City or Government agencies as needed.

• Maintain and validate data in local, state and national computerized databases including the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC). 

• Monitor and control the movement of field units and provide appropriate and effective coverage in response to public safety emergencies

• Perform administrative duties as needed or requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be United States of America citizen at the time of application (State licensing requirement)

• High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalent

• No experience required

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• 6 months advanced training or coursework past the high school level

• Up to one year of experience as a Call Taker, Customer Service or similar position in a communication or dispatch center

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government

• Basic knowledge of computer technology and equipment

• Basic knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures

• Basic knowledge of geography for the City of Garland  and surrounding areas

• Basic knowledge of English language for spelling and proper word usage

• Skill in coordinating mental, manual and visual activities simultaneously

• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately

• Skill in communicating using telephone equipment

• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries

• Ability to multitask and demonstrate appropriate judgment on the spot

• Ability to work under pressure and during emergency situations and react quickly to signals, unexpected situations and/or emergencies

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Department personnel, other City  employees, outside law enforcement agencies and the public

• Ability to type 35 words per minute while multitasking

• Ability to satisfactorily complete training on two (2) radio disciplines. 

• Ability to process and evaluate information received and dispatch law enforcement and/or Fire/EMS, consider call priority, availability and the number and types of personnel needed

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid State of Texas Class C Driver’s License Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator License or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

• Texas Department of Safety (DPS) National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/ Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire

• Medical Priority Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) license and certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire CPR Certification or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire