COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
To support the health and safety of our employees, work spaces, and the public with whom we interact, the City requires newly hired employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to have received an approved accommodation based on medical condition or sincerely held religious belief or practice. Please let us know if you’d like to discuss the policy or available accommodations before proceeding with our recruitment process.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER REPORTS TO: COMMUNICATIONS SUPERVISOR DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT (E-911) NATURE OF WORK
This is telecommunications work in monitoring City service radios, answering incoming telephone calls and dispatching emergency services, personnel, and equipment. Work involves the operation of radios, telephones, alarm board, computer terminals and printers and recording equipment. Police, fire, emergency service and animal control calls are received 24 hours every day from the public. The position dispatches personnel, vehicles and equipment to the scene of an emergency based upon the location and nature of the emergency. The position also monitors radios for status of City employees and calls. State and national crime information networks are maintained and records for all calls are established. Work is reviewed while in progress and through evaluation of records and reports.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Answers emergency and non-emergency calls; obtains vital information; refers callers to appropriate departments and/or contacts agencies and obtains assistance for caller.
Operates a two-way radio system to provide support for officers in the field; monitors fire and burglary alarm panel; dispatches personnel to investigate incidents or requests for service; relays information to officers and superiors; receives reports from mobile units.
Monitors radio communications of area and state police; identifies information relative to the City; informs appropriate personnel.
Maintains, updates and files all pertinent logs, information cards, tapes and other records and documents daily.
Operates GCIC/NCIC computer; secures and enters information on stolen vehicles, articles, guns, wanted and missing persons, driving and criminal histories, etc.
Operates in-house computer system to enter incoming incident reports, accident reports and traffic citations; processes and files reports and citations according to standard procedure.
Receives monies for payments of fines, bonds and parking tickets; issues receipts; accounts for and deposits monies.
Assists the Clerk of Court by typing court calendar and processing warrant and suspension letters; runs criminal histories for cases; assembles cases according to court schedule; relays disposition of cases to relevant state agencies.
Performs general office duties including but not limited to filing, copying, typing and distributing reports, mail and other documents.
Performs other work as necessary or assigned.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
HS Diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Some knowledge of, or ability to learn, public safety rules, regulations, terminology, and methods of operation.
Some knowledge of, or ability to learn, police, fire, and ambulance dispatch procedures.
Some knowledge of, or ability to learn, telephone and radio operating requirements and techniques.
Some knowledge of, or the ability to learn, the street system and geography of the City and the location of important buildings and areas.
Must be able to speak in a clear, well-modulated voice, which is easily understood over the telephone and radio.
Must be able to make quick and sound decisions, and communicate clearly and effectively orally in crisis situations.
Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with coworkers and the general public.
Ability to type proficiently and accurately.
Ability to produce legible handwritten material.
Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
Must be able to be certified as a terminal operator within six (6) months of employment.
Must be P.O.S.T. certified as a Communications Officer within 12 months of employment.
Must be available to work rotating shifts, which include working nights, weekends, holidays and covering emergency staffing.
Must pass a background investigation, pre-employment stress test, physical and drug screen.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.