Telecommunicator

Job Code: 32000569
Salary Grade: NC04
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

Work in this classification includes receipt and transmission of telephone, radio, DCI, email and other messages and dispatching law enforcement, fire and emergency units. Receive emergency and nonemergency calls, monitor alarms, security cameras, alerts and other emergency inputs and react accordingly. Telecommunicators liaise between the public and law enforcement or public safety officials. Interpret and relay information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities. Make immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminate information to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate. In support of law enforcement, research information to include phone numbers, directions, criminal histories and driving histories using resources such as the court systems, internet and Criminal Justice Information System. Enter warrants and stolen property into Criminal Justice Information System. In some agencies, the telecommunicator is a lone law enforcement officer's only back-up. Support Law Enforcement officers with jurisdiction ranging from statewide to local. Work requires shift work and weekend and holiday coverage. Working conditions are frequently difficult with high stress situations and high consequence of error. Often designated as essential personnel, the telecommunicator provides coverage during weather and other emergencies, or becomes the communications center in emergency, search or rescue situations. Coordinate law enforcement communications with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement. May be responsible for facility-wide paging. Responsibilities sometimes include providing telephone coverage or other administrative duties. In some agencies the telecommunicator may screen visitors for credentials. The telecommunicator may work alone while maintaining appropriate coverage.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of jurisdiction and resources within it.
• Basic knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications.
• Basic knowledge of state and federal laws concerning use of criminal records.
• Basic knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to multitask with multiple information inputs (phone, radio, internet, etc.)
• Ability to speak calmly and clearly, listening, taking notes, and being helpful.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public, maintain professional demeanor, and patiently give instructions.
• Ability to elicit information from callers and officers.and ability to properly and quickly document information and actions.
• Ability to prioritize calls and requests, ability to solicit information from and relay information to callers and law enforcement officers. and ability to make quick decisions based on information from callers and law enforcement officers..
• Ability to use a variety of computer and communications systems.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and sufficient experience to demonstrate an ability to work effectively under pressure situations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

Must meet the applicable education, employment, and training standards as required to be Department of Criminal Information (DCI) certified; must be DCI certified or become certified within 120 days of employment.