Dispatcher - Police Department

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service and dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment. Coverage is 24 hours per day.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Receives emergency and non-emergency calls for service for police, animal control, fire, and ambulance services. Dispatches personnel for police through the use of radio, telephone, and computer aided dispatch. Calls for fire and EMS are transferred to the appropriate communication center for dispatch of personnel and equipment.

2. Files reports, and records as required.

3. Monitors various local, county, and state law enforcement, fire protection, and public service radio frequencies.

4. Must be able to operate, make inquiries, enter and retrieve information from the law enforcement information system. Must maintain confidentiality of all information.

5. Maintains business emergency call file.

6. Performs replacements in communications equipment or reports defects and casualties.

7. Answers telephone calls and requests for information and provides routine departmental information or routes inquiries to appropriate personnel.

8. Answers after hours phone calls for various city departments, (Streets, Water, Parks) and notifies appropriate on call personnel.

9. Maintain a good working knowledge of the geographical/jurisdictional boundaries of the city.

10. Must be able to work varied shifts, (days, nights, weekends, holidays.) Be able to remain alert and in a state of readiness at all times.

The above duties and responsibilities include those tasks, physical and mental requirements, visual requirement, unique physical surroundings and mental/cognitive abilities required to perform the essential elements of the position.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Special License(s)/Certifications - High school diploma or equivalent required. Must receive MULES or similar necessary certification within 6 months following date of hire and maintain certification while employed. Must be able to obtain notary within one year of employment.

2. Experience - Six months to one year of experience in a related field with experience in telephone switchboard or high frequency radio operations preferred.

3. Skills - Skill in operating basic office equipment, computers and phone systems. Knowledge of area geography and the location of city streets and major buildings or areas requiring special police and fire protection services. Knowledge of practices, procedures, records system, and requirements of police. Working knowledge of computer and electronic data processing and typing skills.

4. Mental Requirements - Ability to speak clearly in a well-modulated voice and to use good diction. Ability to accomplish oral and written instructions and interface effectively with the general public and other employees. Ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations, maintain records, and prepare reports. Ability to multitask.

5. Physical Requirements - Must be able to sit for prolonged periods; must be able to listen to normal conversation; and use hands and fingers to operate, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; must be able to reach with hands and arms; must be able to have vision sufficient to see close up and have the ability to adjust focus; and, must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and transport it 15 feet.

6. Supervisory Responsibility - None.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The City of Blue Springs is an organization that strives to embrace the spirit of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and barrier-free environment in which all individuals have access to the City's facilities. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.