Job Details

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GENERAL PURPOSE:

Responsible for the administrative operation, supervision, and planning for the Communications Center and its employees. Also performs a variety of public safety tasks concerning the care and custody of prisoners.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives direct supervision from Unform Services Deputy Chief of Police.

Supervises the Police Department Communications Operators and Communications Operators / Jailers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises the scheduling and coordinating of communications personnel. Makes day-to-day assignments as required by the needs of the service.

Assists in researching problems and complaints regarding communications and jail issues.

Assists in resolving complex and sensitive issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing; maintains records and documents of issues and resolutions.

Provides information to persons who request information or assistance in dispatch and jail matters. Answers questions and provides information to the public by telephone and in person.

Maintains normal availability by telephone for consultation on major emergencies and minor incidents.

Prepares, reviews, and retains a variety of weekly, monthly and yearly reports, memorandums, letters, and other reports and records related to dispatch activities.

Reviews telephone calls, radio traffic, computer entries, and video surveillance for quality assurance of personnel.

Researches and develops recommendations for amendments and additions to policies and procedures.

Conducts periodic performance evaluations, planning sessions, and mentors personnel on job performance and disciplinary matters.

Responsible for maintaining, cleaning, and repairing equipment, facilities, and supplies.

Coordinates, attends, and participates with staff, board, and committee meetings.

Attends training, conferences, and meetings to keep abreast of current trends in the field and obtain or maintain certifications; represents the Department in a variety of local, County, State, and other meetings.

Operates a multi-line telephone, computer aided dispatch console, 911 console, and TDD system for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Determines and assigns the level of priority of calls and enters the data into a computer-aided dispatch system for radio dispatch purposes.

Asks vital questions and provides pre-arrival information to police, fire, and emergency medical personnel.

Monitors and operates radio console and computer equipment.

Receives and processes a variety of emergency and non-emergency services and complaints.

Asks questions to interpret, analyze, and anticipate the caller's situation as to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies.

Dispatches and coordinates the response of public safety agencies.

Enters and modifies information into local, state, and national computer databases.

Performs radio dispatch duties for police and fire departments.

Answers incoming 911 emergency and administrative calls.

Coordinates dispatching of emergency police, fire, and other public safety equipment by receiving and transmitting radio traffic.

Inputs and retrieves computer data quickly. Utilizes teletype and/or computer to retrieve traffic, arrest and/or warrant information. Makes inquires, entries, modifications and cancellations into the TCIC/NCIC computer as needed.

Ensures all sources are checked for outstanding warrants on prisoners.

Prepares letters, forms, and reports on computer keyboards as required.

Makes entries into automated record files. Maintains accurate, up-to-date files, and logs.

Communicates effectively with those contacted in the course of work.

Uses good judgment in making decisions, in emergency and routine situations.

Maintains a state of satisfactory physical readiness to ensure personal safety and the safety of others.

Books, searches, and releases prisoners.

Maintains logs of prisoner meals and cell checks.

Maintains security in all areas of the holding facility.

Administers and supervises meal time feeding and arraignment of prisoners.

Performs security patrols and monitors jail access and egress.

Works an assigned shift using judgement in deciding course of action and being expected to handle difficult emergency situations. Takes appropriate actions which includes, but not limited to, physical restraint of unruly prisoners.

Prepares a variety of reports and records.

Completes police case reports and provides all exculpatory or impeaching information and evidence to the prosecuting entity as required by Brady v. Maryland (1963).

Maintains logs of prisoner's activities and meals.

Performs maintenance duties such as sweeping and cleaning.

Responsible for answering questions from bondsman, lawyers, family members, and courts.

Prepares reports for injured and unruly prisoners.

Responsible for the safekeeping of prisoner property and issues receipts for bonds to release prisoners.

Coordinates activities with other officers or departments as needed; exchanges information with officers in other law enforcement agencies, as needed and assigned.

The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.

Regular and timely attendance is an essential job function.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

Serves as a member of various employee committees as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and two (2) years of experience as a Communications Operator or other job-related field.

Minimum two (2) years of supervisory experience preferred.

Must be able to type 35 WPM.

Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License by date of hire.

Must pass required training program.

Must attend and pass TCOLE training for Police Communications within twelve (12) months of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work effectively with the public, outside agencies, and other employees.

Must be able to follow directions.

Ability to make sound independent judgments during stressful situations.

Ability to prioritize duties and maintain the standards required for the performance of duties.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to exercise confidentiality.

Skilled in general office duties and utilize modern office equipment, computer, software, TDD, telephone, keyboard.

Understanding of jurisdictional boundaries, as well as thoroughfares, landmarks, parks, schools, and public buildings within the jurisdiction.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal application; review of education and experience; oral interview; background check; polygraph examination; psychological examination; successful completion of a drug screen.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Two-way communication system, teletype, general office equipment, phone switchboard; computer, including word processing and specialized software; copy/fax machine; calculator; shredder; handcuffs, cameras; first aid and safety equipment; other specialized tools and equipment as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds; prolonged sitting and use of radio communication system. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently placed in close proximity to arrested persons who may have aggressive personalities or tendencies. The physical demands of this environment cannot be accurately predicted for every potential scenario. The employee must maintain a state of acceptable physical readiness to meet the unknown physical demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work indoors. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and other hazards associated within an office environment. There is occasional contact with diseased or combative persons.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

No one will perform the duties of a higher position without prior authorization from an individual authorized to approve.

The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.