JOB DESCRIPTION - DISPATCHER

General Definition and Conditions of Work:

Performs intermediate technical work dispatching law enforcement and other equipment and personnel usually in response to emergency situations; does related work as required. Work is performed under regular supervision.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Essential Job Functions (Typical Tasks):

Receiving, processing and dispatching law enforcement and emergency service calls; monitoring law enforcement frequencies; receiving, recording and forwarding non-emergency service calls; preparing and maintaining records and files; preparing reports.

Answers 9-1-1 telephone system, referring calls to appropriate agency or personnel;

Receives, processes and forwards calls for service to appropriate agencies and officers or provides information as needed;

Provides the general public with information, assistance or direction when necessary;

Operates law enforcement radios and maintains communications with numerous law enforcement agencies through radio communication;

Answers, records and distributes weather alerts;

Enters calls received into computer system; updates calls for service data obtained from officers at incident location;

Monitors numerous other police department frequencies as well as burglar alarm control panel and fire, weather and public works frequencies; monitors prisoner calls and closed circuit television cameras;

Responds to requests from other law enforcement agencies; retrieves information requested by department personnel;

Prepares reports concerning certain important events or instances; maintains jail log; checks on prisoners;

Arranges for arraignment hearings and prisoner transportation;

Queries computer system for previous history or similar incidents at address and prior arrests;

Operates a variety of office equipment such as computer, typewriter, copier and recorder;

Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

General knowledge of the methods of operating telecommunications equipment; general knowledge of radio and teletype procedures;

General knowledge of the geography of the township and location of important buildings;

Ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed;

Ability to speak distinctly;

Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility;

Ability to operate CAD equipment;

Ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain 9-1-1 certification.