Job Title: Police Dispatcher

Exemption Status: Nonexempt/At-Will
Reports to: Chief of Police

Pay Grade: H3

Calendar Days: 260
Dept.: Police 

Primary Purpose:
Receive emergency and nonemergency calls and reports, monitor video surveillance systems, and dispatch personnel according to district procedures. Relay information based on the nature and urgency of the situation and respond appropriately to situations that may develop.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:
High school diploma or GED
Qualify for and obtain Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within twelve months

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Effective telephone and communication skills
Ability to receive and give verbal instructions clearly and effectively
Ability to concentrate on a task and remain alert during long periods of routine activity
Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, make quick decisions, and apply established general parameters to specific situations
Ability to read and interpret documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals
Proficient map reading skills
Meet the physical requirements of the position description

Experience:
None

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Communication
1. Maintain continuous radio contact with police and security officers. Dispatch security personnel for intrusion or trespass, fire alarms, and emergency situations.
2. Interpret and code data for transmission, transmit radio messages to field units, and dispatch police and security personnel and equipment.
3. Relay information and messages to and from emergency sites, departments, outside agencies, and to all others requiring notification.
4. Calm distressed citizens on the phone; evaluate, prioritize and sequence incoming information and determine units to send to an emergency.
5. Notify other departments of needed support services pursuant to established procedures or instructions of supervisors.
6. Monitor district/campus activity using video surveillance equipment and alarm systems to detect emergencies situations.
7. Monitor computerized 9-1-1 system and emergency elevator phone lines.
8. Identify and respond to developing situations alerting appropriate district staff, authorities, and emergency personnel according to established procedures.
9. Coordinate with other enforcement agencies or departments to obtain additional help as needed.
10. Notify maintenance personnel of after-hours systems alarms.

Reports/Records
11. Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages in accordance with district standards and federal, state, and local requirements.
12. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other documents as required.

Other
13. Maintain confidentiality of information.
14. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
15. Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Police.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Radio and telecommunication equipment or systems, video surveillance equipment, multiline telephone system, audio/digital alarm systems, standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional reaching, pushing/pulling, bending/stooping, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions; constant keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work indoors in environmentally controlled space; frequent exposure to noise; unusual fatigue factors resulting from long periods of repetitive, routine activity

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions; may work prolonged and irregular hours associated with shift work

The Harlandale Independent School District does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information or on any other basis prohibited by law.
An Equal Opportunity Employer