Police Dispatcher

The newly established Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) is seeking Police Dispatchers. The positions will be responsible for the delivery of community based public safety and security services for Homewood, Peabody, and East Baltimore, which includes The Johns Hopkins Hospital. The positions receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service over telephone and other means. The dispatchers will employ appropriate call screening protocols to respond to callers and dispatch to appropriate public safety resources.

The position is responsible for interaction with other public safety dispatch centers -answering and/or transferring calls and incident information and maintaining communications with law enforcement personnel, fire and EMS agencies. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of building a new police department that prioritizes the well-being of students, staff, faculty, and guests and embodies the University‘s mission by engaging the student community and other partners as co-creators of the campus safety environment.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Process incoming and outgoing emergency and non-emergency telephone calls and incoming radio calls, dispatching appropriate response within Johns Hopkins Public Safety (JHPS) and Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) policies and guidelines.
• Contact and direct Baltimore Police, Fire, and Paramedics as needed.
• Coordinate responses among Johns Hopkins Police and Public Safety, Facilities Management, Student Affairs, and Hopkins Emergency Rescue Unit personnel.
• Relay information from field officers requesting backup and support services, such as crime lab technicians, K-9 units, emergency medical services, rescue, and fire equipment.
• Obtain, input, and receive data related to police activities, such as criminal history, warrants, and vehicle registration.
• Provide general assistance and information to Johns Hopkins students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Provide JH Police Dispatch Supervisor with input regarding policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of the communications center.
• Maintain familiarity with the general geography of the communities served.
• Participate in available professional development for center staff.
• Communicate in a positive manner with JH Police Dispatch Supervisor and other center staff.
• Report commendable performance or deficiencies or liability issues to Manager in a timely manner.
• Operate specialized communications networking equipment and computer terminals, accessing restricted law enforcement networks.
• Monitor Baltimore Police Department transmissions and activities, transmitting pertinent information to university police personnel.
• Monitor safety and security systems and video surveillance for events or activity requiring a JHPS/JHPD response, reporting malfunctions as appropriate and dispatching appropriate personnel to alarm sites.
• Perform administrative tasks necessary for the operation of the Communications Center.
• Create and maintain manual and computerized reports, logs, records, and data.
• Other duties as assigned.

The responsibilities listed above are typical examples of the work performed by this position. Not all duties assigned to this position are included, nor is it expected that everyone in this position will be assigned every job responsibility.

Requirements

• Must be able to pass an extensive Maryland State Police/F.B.I. background investigation and complete a physical/health screening examination by the Office of Occupational Health and Safety, which includes a drug screening.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to function effectively and calmly in a highly charged work environment under stressful emergency conditions.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Windows computer environment.
  
• Ability to learn to operate a variety of technology including contemporary computer, radio and telephone systems.
  
• Coordinate multiple priorities and competing demands on time and multi-tasking.
  
• Simultaneously process information from multiple sources (verbal, text, and video) and keep information clear.
  
• Knowledge of accepted call handling practices for public safety call takers with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service.
  
• Familiarity with principles and practices of radio communications as well as the proper policies and procedures used in public safety dispatching with an emphasis on professionalism and high level of customer service.
  
• Knowledge of all aspects of operations of a public safety communications center.
  
• Knowledge of communication facilities, equipment and technology as they pertain to the operation of a public safety communications center.
  
• Knowledge of management practices as they pertain to the operation of a public safety communications center.
  
• Knowledge of Operational needs of public safety responders for law enforcement, fire and EMS.
  
• Ability to deal with sensitive information in a discreet and professional manner.
  
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  
• Ability to simultaneously process information from multiple sources (verbal, text, and video) and keep information clear.
  
• Ability to quickly and accurately recall information, specifically names, numbers and details.
  
• Ability to make appropriate decisions based on minimal information.
  
• Ability to follow prescribed rules, regulations and procedures.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing.
  
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with co-workers and personnel from customer agencies.
  
• Ability to successfully complete a myriad of training initiatives and certifications for call receiving and dispatching.
  
• Be able to work in a shift-work environment with variable hours of work and schedule over the course of typical work year.
  
• Capable of presenting ideas and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
  
• Be available for overtime as needed.
  
• Be reliable, dependable and report for work on a consistent basis.
  

Specific Physical Requirements for the Job

• Must be able to function effectively for extended periods in a seated position with periodic short breaks provided. Sitting for extended periods of time while working at computer keyboards, monitoring a variety of public safety communications systems and completing documentation required of operations.
• Must have unrestricted use of both hands with dexterity of hands and fingers to operate personal computers.
  
• Must possess full hearing capabilities.
  
• Vision, specifically to include up close, distance, color and peripheral; depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have binocular vision, corrected to a minimum of 20/40 in both eyes.

• High school Diploma/GED required.
  

• Two (2) years of call center/customer service or other related work experience.
  

• Read and write the English language clearly and verbally communicate effectively in-person, over the telephone, and over the radio.
  

Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Two (2) years related experience in public safety communication including familiarity with communication technology and call-taking techniques.
  
• Associate‘s Degree
• Bilingual.

Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

* JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for the required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

** Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Classified Title: Police Dispatcher
Role/Level/Range: ATO 40/E/02/OC
Starting Salary Range: $15.50 - $25.00 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: 40 Hours
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:JH at Keswick
Department name: VP for Public Safety Office of
Personnel area: University Administration