Police Dispatcher

POSTED ON APRIL 16, 2024. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 11:59PM ON APRIL 30, 2024.

**GENERAL DESCRIPTION**:
Performs emergency service dispatch and communications processing work. Responsible for reviewing interpreting and relaying requests for police, fire and emergency medical services and for the operation of a public safety console, including computer-aided dispatch system. Works rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES**:

- Receives requests for police, fire and emergency medical services from the public or other agencies; obtains relevant information; classifies and assigns priorities to requests for service.
- Provides pre-arrival medical instructions to the public and prioritizes these calls to enable EMS services to give the most timely and effective care.
- Enters, retrieves and updates information from a variety of computer systems. Dispatches appropriate public safety agencies and refers non-public safety matters to appropriate agencies.
- Maintains information for public safety units indicating status, location, times and codes. Dispatches assistance and support when requested or when necessary.
- Receives and processes field requests for motor vehicle, warrant, criminal record and other checks; makes stolen vehicle and other entries in computer files as necessary. Sends and receives teletype messages; maintains a variety of records and files.
- Maintains confidentiality of medical and criminal records and information.
- Regularly attends and is punctual for work.

**OTHER DUTIES**:

- Performs other related duties as required. NOTE: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility.

**Qualifications**:
**QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE**:

- Basic knowledge and understanding of police, fire and emergency services operations
- Ability to learn communications procedures and policies, relevant laws and statutes and learn basic geography in detail
- Ability to relate positively with others, under stressful conditions, using tact and diplomacy
- Ability to obtain information from persons, under adverse conditions (e.g., language barriers, speech impediments, intoxication, excitement, hysteria)
- Ability to analyze and prioritize requests for service based upon established guidelines and use sound situational judgment
- Ability to operate communications equipment, including computer systems
- Ability to obtain the following certifications within one (1) year of hire: Emergency Medical Dispatch, COLLECT/National Crime Information Center, State of Connecticut Telecommunicator Certification, E911, and other state-required, as applicable; ability to maintain these certifications

**PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS**:

- Ability to push/pull/lift objects of less than twenty (20) pounds and sit for prolonged periods. Ability to perform repeated manipulative skills which require hand-eye coordination such as keyboarding skills.
- Ability to see objects closely, as in typing, reading a report, using a computer, monitoring video display screens. Must be able to hear normal sounds with background noise, distinguish voice patterns and communicate with speech as in using telephone and two-way radio communications
- Ability to concentrate on fine detail with frequent interruptions, attend to a task for more than sixty (60) minutes at a time, and remember multiple assignments given to self or others over long periods of time.
- Ability to understand and relate to the theories behind several concepts

**MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE**:

- High School diploma or equivalent
- Previous work experience involving public contact

**LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION**:

- None at hire. Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification, Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Telecommunications System/National Crime Information Center Certification, and State of Connecticut Telecommunicator Certification within one (1) year of hire and maintain same