Dispatchers

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Experienced Emergency Dispatcher         Status: Full-time

Classification: Non-Exempt 

Reports to: Police and/or Fire Chiefs/Director of Administration/Deputy Director of Administration

General Overview:

This position involves the basic functions of Emergency Dispatch, focusing on the immediate information needs of the police and fire departments during daily operations and emergencies. North Canton Dispatch is committed to providing 24-hour telephone service for public information and routine/emergency assistance. Dispatch facilitates continuous communication with police/fire department members in the field via two-way radio capability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle incoming and transmitted communications.
• Document field activities, inquire and enter information into databases, and monitor video surveillance.
• Update the status and locations of field members.
• Notify supervisors of emergency activities.
• Follow established procedures for various scenarios.
• Receive and efficiently handle all communications, including 9-1-1 calls, distinguishing between emergency and non-emergency situations, as well as TDD/TTY equipment, radio communications, and other electronic sources.
• Maintain professional and efficient radio communications, adhering to FCC procedures.
• Address violations promptly.
• Document relevant information on calls for service or self-initiated activities, ensuring the safety of both members and citizens.
• Treat confidential information with utmost discretion, releasing it in accordance with the Protected Information Policy.
• Proficiency in obtaining accurate information, classifying, and prioritizing requests, and relaying critical information.
• Follow radio communication protocols to ensure professional and effective transmissions.

Other Duties

• Receive and manage all incoming emergency and non-emergency calls for the Police and Fire Department.
• Dispatch appropriate responders based on the nature and urgency of the calls.
• Handle inquiries from walk-in traffic at the Dispatch window at all hours.
• Address emergencies and assist with various requests, including directions, bicycle licenses, and general information.
• Answer radio transmissions from Police Officers (North Canton & Walsh U PD), Fire Department, North Canton City Schools & St Paul’s Emergency Radio, and Street Department/Utilities Channel.
• Monitor and respond to City Lift Alarms.
• Maintain address updates for residences and businesses.
• Update callout information, handle vacation/house check information, and manage fire permits.
• Enter all citations, written warnings, and arrests into the system.
• Process paperwork for court, gather records for subpoenas, and ensure officers receive subpoenas.
• Enter warrants, protection orders, stolen articles, missing persons, Amber Alerts, and immobilizations into the Law Enforcement Automated Data System (Leads).
• Process and record expungements.
• Send accident reports to the state and monthly domestic violence reports through OHLEAD.
• Prepare and take payments for City Wide Load Permits.
• Handle financial transactions, including processing parking tickets, online payments, and preparing deposits for Finance.
• Stock department forms and notify the Administrative Sergeant of re-ordering needs.
• Scan and file paperwork, compile records retention schedules, and manage information for parking permissions.
• Process record checks, reports for courts and the public, and log Canton Municipal Court dispositions.
• Test Knox Key for the Fire Department, conduct monthly and statewide tornado tests, and perform city panic alarm and fire alarm tests.
• Relay Bolos (Be On the Look Out) to officers via radio and CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch).
• Coordinate with other departments for various needs, such as water emergencies, road maintenance, and deliveries.
• Occasionally accept payments for utilities or fines after hours.
• Respond to issues related to rentals and paging out WENS messages for street closings and emergencies.
• Monitor traffic cameras, City Hall cameras/parks, and maintain the pager list for Fire Department paging of call location information.
• Process and redact record requests and monitor phone systems to prevent disruptions.
• Manage emergency dispatch scheduling.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in emergency dispatch or related field preferred.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and make quick decisions.
• Strong communication and multitasking skills.
• Proficient in using computer systems and relevant software.
• Knowledge of legal and law enforcement procedures.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification is a plus; must be able to obtain/maintain EMD Certification.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position, activities, and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position. The City of North Canton is an equal opportunity employer.