COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Role within the big picture of the City’s overall success:

Answers calls, dispatches personnel, and maintains crucial communication between the public and emergency responders. COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER functions include but are not limited to the following:

Emergency and Non-Emergency Call Management

• Answer 911 and non-emergency calls promptly, gathering information to determine the appropriate units for dispatch.
• Continuously monitor and communicate over radio systems, ensuring up-to-date information for police, fire, and EMS units.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with police, fire, and EMS units, fostering a collaborative community-oriented approach.
• Conduct data entry for all calls for service and other events using various computer programs and applications.
• Gather and enter information into databases, such as amber alerts, silver alerts, and criminal records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain logs of law enforcement status and activity-related transactions for daily dispatching documentation.

Community Relationship Building

• Build and maintain a positive working relationship with the community, providing empathetic and effective communication during emergencies.
• Liaise with police, fire, and EMS units, ensuring collaborative efforts in maintaining community safety.
• Represent the department professionally in interactions with residents and other agencies.

Additional Duties

• Contribute to the team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.

Training, Education, and Certification Maintenance

• Regularly engage in training and education, including mandatory TCOLE certified continuing education classes and EMD coursework every two years.
• Conduct data entry tasks, such as entering stolen vehicle information into databases and maintaining records for audits.
• Stay updated on local, state, and national crime information computer systems to assist public safety personnel effectively.

Dispatch Operations and Coordination

• Operate and monitor emergency and non-emergency service telephones and radio communication systems, ensuring effective communication.
• Coordinate testing of civil defense and reverse-notification emergency warning systems, contributing to overall community safety.
• Utilize critical thinking and logic in highly stressful situations to make appropriate decisions promptly.

Education & Experience

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience

• No previous relevant work experience required.

Supervisory Experience

• None required.

Certifications/Licenses

• Must provide certification or obtain within one (1) year of employment:
• Telecommunications Training Program compliant with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) guidelines
• Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification
• National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification