Civilian Radio Dispatcher: Police Department

The City of Cranston Police Department Communication Center is staffed 24/7 and handles both emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Each day is comprised of three (3) eight (8) hour shifts (including holidays and weekends) and the dispatchers work a rotating four (4) day on two (2) day off schedule.This is a civilian position and is not transitional for the position of Patrol Officer.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF A POLICE DISPATCHER**:

- Receives, identifies, and records a variety of calls for assistance from the public related to Police services.
- Ability to perform work that frequently involves use of RMS (Records Management System) and other software programs that assist in operations in the Communications Center.
- Hears, understands, and reacts to radio and telephone communication often simultaneously.
- Calms distressed callers, uses interview techniques to gain incident information, and enters calls for service in a timely and accurate manner.
- Provides information to callers, prepares telephone requests for assistance, assigns incident numbers to occurring events, and refers callers to other staff/agencies as appropriate.
- Dispatches Police personnel and equipment based on response procedure guidelines and knowledge of agency requirements.
- Communicates with Police personnel in the field and informs emergency command staff of pending responses from other agencies.
- Maintains status of calls via computer screens, keyboard, and other communications equipment.
- Conducts tests of emergency communication equipment as needed.
- Coordinates use of radio frequencies among patrol units and performs routine communication via radio paging for administrative staff.
- Prioritizes safety related information and analyzes complex information for situational changes.
- Applies a working knowledge of regional geography for all the areas served by the Cranston Police Department.
- Transmits vital information received by phone, teletype, or radio to field units.
- Runs computer inquiries on vehicles, property, wanted information, and driver's license status and responds to special requests.
- Answers emergency and non-emergency voice and telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD), determines the nature of calls; determines correct signal and/or code; assigns priority to call; simultaneously enters information into computer.
- Maintains professional communication and demeanor with members of the public and employees of the Cranston Police Department under conditions that may be stressful at times.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Special Requirements**:

- Ability to work any shift in a 24-hour/day, 7-day/week operation on a rotational basis including weekends and holidays. Shift assignments are based on seniority.
- Ability to work mandatory overtime.
- Ability and willingness to wear mandatory uniform and communication headset.
- Certificate proving the ability to type at a speed of 25 words per minute must be submitted prior to test date.
- Ability to learn and retain an extensive amount of codes, terminology and procedures required to perform the basic functions of the job.
- Ability to sit in a normal seated position for long periods of time.
- Operate a current version Windows based personal computer. Operate a personal computer keyboard with sufficient speed and accuracy to accomplish the core job functions of Police Dispatcher.
- Read, learn, and understand complex instructions and documentation including standard operating procedures, training materials, general orders, maps, and related material.
- Must be able to read, legibly write, spell and speak in clear, concise English with good grammar. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Understand and retain complex instructions and training concepts.
- Interact and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive, harmonious, and effective working relationships and demonstrate a cooperative and professional attitude at all times.
- Maintain the confidentiality of information as prescribed by law.
- Speak to callers using clarity, courtesy, and tact.
- Work in an environment with exposure to stressful situations which may result from pressure to provide an appropriate and timely response and follow-up required by emergency and routine events that often occur simultaneously.
- Prior dispatch/call center/law enforcement experience preferred.

Pay: From $48,250.02 per year

**Benefits**:

- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Morning shift
- Night shift
- Rotating shift
- Rotating weekends
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person