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

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COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER