CLASS TITLE:  Police Telecommunicator

Purpose of Class:  Under general supervision, performs specialized communications functions in the Town's police communications center and in police computer records management; performs related work as required.

Primary Tasks:  (Any one position may not include all of the tasks listed, nor do the examples necessarily include all of the tasks performed.)

*Receives routine and emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning criminal offenses, civil processes, and other matters involving public safety.

*Operates two-way radio system to maintain contact with police vehicles and other law enforcement units. Provides radio emergency communication for the Town’s Fire Department.

*Provides information concerning the location of residences, businesses, roads and streets.

*Operates the computer terminal and printer connected with the Division of Criminal Information, other law enforcement agencies, the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, DMV and the National Crime Information Center to obtain driver's history, vehicle registration data, and criminal record information.

*Maintains various required communications and operations logs including tape log of communications. Changes tape on log as required.

*Maintain log and enters data into computer of all police events.

*Types, processes, and files assigned police records including maintaining the police computer data base.

*Compiles data and prepares various police reports which are files with other agencies or is used by the Police Chief for departmental activity reports on a regular basis.

Provides administrative support for police personnel operations, as needed.

Make daily check of senior citizens on call list.

May answers other Town telephone lines as required.

May be assigned duties in departmental budget preparation, train new  telecommunicators. On occasion one or more positions my act in some capacity as communication supervisor in his absence as delegated.

May be assigned to maintain the software and hardware of the personal computer systems used by the Police Telecommunications Division and updates or oversees the updating of the system.

Makes repairs or calls in vendors to make repairs on the computer system if needed.

Cleans and maintains the dispatch office area.

Gives assistance to the public (walk-ins) as required.

Performs various other duties as required.

Equipment Operated:  DCI computer and printer, police radio and console, telephone, and other assigned communications equipment.

Reporting relationship:  These positions reports to the Police Communications Supervisor.

working conditions:  Not adverse, however, work can be characterized as pressure-sensitive and stressful.

qualifications of class:

Education:  Graduation from a standard high school.

Experience:  Some experience in radio communications and police records management; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of Town streets, locations and general layout of the Town.

Good working knowledge of the operation of a two-way radio communications system and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.

Good working knowledge of police records management systems including computer assisted systems.

Skill in the operation of assigned radio communications equipment.

Ability to accurately transmit radio communications.

Ability to assess people and situations and use judgment in decision-making.

Ability to elicit information necessary for proper dispatching from persons in a distressed or confused condition.

Ability to speak clearly, distinctly, and politely.

Ability to learn radio communications code signals.

Ability to perform responsible records and report duties.

Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public.

Special Requirements:  Possession of the DCI operator's certificate and an appropriate valid drivers license.

Special Note:  This generic class specification gives a sound overview of the job class, its essential functions (as indicated by an *), and necessary job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist providing lengthy details about the one specific position.  These documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.