Job Description

Dispatcher Job Title

Responsible for the operation of the Police Department radio, answering all incoming telephone calls, operate and control panel, and other related equipment to dispatch officers and run various checks. Also required to greet visitors, type, file, and operate the City phone system when required. Above all, must constantly be aware of the whereabouts and activities of each and every individual officer. The dispatcher is not only the link between the public and the police officer, but at times of peril to the police officer, may be the only source that an officer has to call for assistance to insure his own protection, as well as that of the public.

The job description is intended merely to illustrate the duties that may be assigned to persons assigned this title. It should not be interpreted to describe all the duties that may be required of persons holding a position assigned this title or to limit the nature and extent of assignments a person may be given.

Primary Job Duties

Duties and Responsibilities: (Essential functions are identified by an "*")

• Answer all incoming calls on the police telephone (emergency and non-emergency); determine priority and dispatch units.
• Operate the police base radio and control panels. Dispatch police officers to the complaints, accidents, calls for service and assistance, alarm drops, etc.
• Provide preliminary contact with the public and answer routine questions or refer them to the proper personnel.
• Operate the UTS 20 Terminal (LEADS) to check warrants, registrations, stolen vehicles, missing persons, etc. Use the LEADS machine to assist other cities' police departments.
• Validate all entries in the LEADS machine, which includes missing persons, wanted persons, stolen guns, stolen vehicles, etc. If this duty is not performed on a regular basis, a police officer's or a private citizen's life could be endangered.
• Monitor all alarms (panels and telephone), and the radios of Oberlin College and Oberlin City utilities. Notify the proper department (power outages, storm damage, water main breaks, etc.) and/or dispatch officers in emergency situations.
• Perform general typing of various reports, day sheets, complaint records, arrest cards, court related reports, etc.
• Act as Deputy Clerk for the Oberlin Municipal Court; take waivers and bonds, sign all court-related forms which require a Deputy Clerk's signature, secure and retain all money taken in for the court and be responsible for the same.
• Maintain the filing system and update business cards.
• Keep an up-to-date record (daily) of all radio transmissions, complaints, and reports received and transmit same to daily log, which is to be kept current for each shift.
• Secure and retain certain master keys at the Police Department.
• Keep records of all items (lost and found) that are turned in to the department.
• Act as a jailee when prisoners are being held or housed, including physical contact with prisoners (frisking).
• Responsible for maintaining jail security; operate all electronic security equipment within the secured area of the building, as well as monitor male and female cells when prisoners are being held.
• On occasion, takes criminal complaints and police reports from citizens if a sworn officer is unavailable.
• Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles to appropriate locations according to customer requests, specifications, or needs, using radios or telephones.
• Arrange for necessary repairs in order to restore service and schedules.
• Relay work orders, messages, and information to or from work crews, supervisors, and field inspectors using telephones or two-way radios.
• Confer with customers or supervising personnel in order to address questions, problems, and requests for service or equipment.
• Prepare daily work and run schedules.
• Receive or prepare work orders.
• Oversee all communications within specifically assigned territories.
• Monitor personnel and/or equipment locations and utilization in order to coordinate service and schedules.
• Advise personnel about traffic problems such as construction areas, accidents, congestion, weather conditions, and other hazards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; type at a rate of 40 words per minute, good grammar and writing skills required. Should be even tempered and have a pleasant personality for dealing with the public. The ability to concentrate and communicate under stressful situations when time is of the essence and the life/safety of an officer or citizen may be involved. Must have the ability to use critical thinking in prioritizing and assigning calls and have a good working knowledge of the City/County agencies as well as criminal and civil law.

Must be able to pass a hearing evaluation prior to hire, must have a telephone at place of residence, and must be able and willing to work any shift and special shifts as assigned. Must pass a police criminal convictions records check, background investigation, psychological exam and polygraph exam, and pre-employment drug and alcohol test prior to hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems, such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

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