The Public Safety Telecommunicator is employed in The University of Alabama in Huntsville Police Department Emergency Communications and Operations Center as both a 911 Call Taker and Public Safety Dispatcher. Under general supervision, the Public Safety Telecommunicator independently performs specialized and essential work in receiving and dispatching accurate information to appropriate emergency responders during, at times, highly stressful and intense situations. Work involves responsibility for the operation of a specialized radio utilizing multiple channels and frequencies in a 911 center. The incumbent requires fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages from and to appropriate vehicles and personnel. Employees work with considerable independence, subject to instructions or orders to meet special operating circumstances or emergencies.
The incumbent will effectively and efficiently communicate between campus law enforcement headquarters, campus police officers in the field, parking officers, student assistants, other university departments and personnel, and outside agencies. These interactions require tact, discretion, and confidentiality. Work is performed in a communications center without windows. The incumbent often works in a fast-paced, harried work atmosphere, sometimes confronted by disturbing or stressful call situations. Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting of objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activity. Work requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, operate multiple personal computers and transmitters/receivers, and perceive and/or discriminate colors and sounds from multiple directions, depth, and texture. Work requires continuous repetitive arm/hand movement.
Duties / Responsibilities:
- Perform a wide variety of essential duties involving independent judgment and action within an assigned controlled access environment and requiring in-depth knowledge of an organization-wide function or program while maintaining and adhering to confidentiality; assist in assuring smooth and efficient office operations in a complex environment.
- Receives 911 calls on computerized telephone, cell phone, radio, and other communication systems; and refers routine calls to proper sources or responds according to departmental procedures.
- Dispatches emergency personnel according to procedures and in accordance with the nature and location of the emergency; makes radio and telephone calls to agencies and other concerned parties in the event of a major accident.
- Operates a variety of communications equipment, such as telephone, two-way radio, and computer-aided dispatch system.
- Provide skilled emergency work that involves receiving 911 calls and non-emergency requests for police assistance, determining the nature and urgency of the calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action, and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. Forwards complaints as appropriate. Answers inquiries regarding the District and surrounding areas, services available, and related District procedures.
- Work patiently with individuals who exhibit emotional stress or other demanding situations, determining the proper course of action.
- Respond to informational requests from personnel; utilize an assigned computer system to input data and extract information related to incidents and reports; research tickets for identification of vehicle ownership, and input ticket, appeal and hearing information into an assigned database; establish and maintain automated records as directed.
- Checks for outstanding warrants or prior offenses on suspects.
- Accesses information on stolen property, vehicle registration, and other information from statewide computer networks.
- Monitors alarm panel for fire, panic, and trouble alarms and dispatches appropriate responders.
- Uses security cameras to monitor areas of campus for potential criminal activity.
- Monitors multiple radio frequencies simultaneously.
- Requires regular and prompt attendance, plus the ability to work well with others and work well as a team.
- Communicate with campus administrators, local police, fire, animal control and medical emergency units to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns.
- Confer with outside fire, police and medical agencies to request and provide assistance and information as needed.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of all incoming calls concerning daily activities, services dispatched and related information; maintain records related to dispatch activities, incidents and assigned duties in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act.
- Available to work overtime for extended periods of time, including shifts beyond 24 straight hours during emergencies.
- Contact maintenance personnel for after-hours maintenance emergencies.
- Promptly perform other duties as assigned.
