Communications Officer I PRN - 040516 - 00001

The purpose of this classification is to receive/process requests for emergency/non-emergency assistance and to dispatch emergency medical, law enforcement, fire, or other agency resources. Duties and responsibilities include receiving and prioritizing emergency calls, dispatching appropriate law enforcement, emergency personnel, serving as liaison between callers and emergency responders; operating computers and communications equipment, preparing documentation, maintaining records, and performing additional tasks as assigned. Ambulance Service assignment reports to Communications Supervisor.
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Operates communications equipment, multi-telephone lines, and computers associated with police, fire, E-911, and emergency medical communications, which may include telephone equipment, radio communications equipment, audio recorder, TTY/TDD machine, alarm panels, security monitors, general office equipment, or other equipment/systems.
 
Receives, screens, processes, and monitors emergency 911 calls and non-emergency calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio and telephone; evaluates, categorizes, and prioritizes calls; determines proper zone/jurisdiction of request; refers callers to other agencies as appropriate; receives routine calls for the department and records messages for department personnel.
 
Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; determines nature of emergency, location of incident, number of units needed, and nearest available units; dispatches ambulances, fire fighters, or other agencies as appropriate.
 
Maintains communications with all parties involved in emergency situations; monitors status/location of officers and emergency units; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; conveys information between callers and emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, hospitals, businesses, alarm companies, department personnel, or other individuals/agencies; responds to requests from officers for backup, emergency units, information, or other assistance.
 
Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, spreadsheet, computer-aided dispatch (CAD), or other software programs; performs basic maintenance of computer systems, communications equipment, and general office equipment; inspects equipment for proper operations; monitors equipment alarms to identify problems; performs daily backups of computer data; clears paper jams and replaces audio tapes, paper, ink or toner; coordinates service/repair activities as needed.
 
Maintains logs, computer records, and hard-copy records of calls, work activities, activities of dispatched units, and related information; enters call details into computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system; prepares complaint cards to record calls of a significant nature; maintains daily logs of shift events/activities; maintains current maps, bulletins, telephone lists, directories, procedures, and other reference materials; shreds/destroys sensitive documents as directed.

Exchanges pertinent information with department personnel, other departments, and outside agencies; distributes incoming information/documentation to appropriate personnel; monitors incoming faxes and teletypes; provides information/documentation to other departments and outside agencies as requested.
 
Monitors radio traffic of other departments and other law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies to respond to radio calls and to maintain an awareness of activities.
 
Monitors weather updates; provides emergency notification of severe weather to appropriate personnel.
 
Communicates with alarm companies; coordinates exchange of information between police officers, alarm companies, and key holders or contact persons.
 
Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, lists, or other documents.
 
Records all information via computer, performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; generates computerized reports and manual reports, forms and related documentation.
 
Monitors inventory of department forms and supplies; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct work activities; initiates requests for new/replacement items as needed.
 
Communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
 
Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, callers, law enforcement personnel, fire personnel, emergency medical personnel, medical facilities, federal/state/local public safety agencies, court officials, utility companies, social service agencies, government agencies, other jurisdictions, the media, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.
 
Responds to questions or complaints related to department operations; provides information and assistance related to department services, classes, procedures, forms, or other issues; researches problems and initiates problem resolution.
 
Maintains confidentiality of departmental documentation and issues.
 
Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
 
Completes work at assigned work station determined by supervisor.
 
Works hours as scheduled.
 
Maintains familiarity with the protocol for dangerous and extreme situations such as a natural disaster or epidemic.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by 2 months previous experience and/or training involving public safety dispatching, radio communications, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. It may require possession and maintenance of valid Emergency Medical Dispatcher certification, 911 Operator certification, and/or CPR/First Aid certification. Operation of national/state criminal information systems requires possession and maintenance of valid N.C.I.C., T.C.I.C., T.I.E.S., and/or N.L.E.T.S. Terminal Operator certification. Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee driver's license.