Police Dispatcher I

Position Summary: Entry-level operational classification responsible for receiving and prioritizing calls for service, dispatching police personnel, monitoring officer safety, maintaining accurate records, and performing authorized criminal justice information functions after required training. Works under general supervision and established procedures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, including transferred calls; verify location, callback information, incident details, and immediate safety concerns. Assess and prioritize calls under department protocols; create, update, and close incidents in the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Dispatch and coordinate police resources; monitor radio traffic, unit status and locations, emergency activations, requests for backup, and officer safety information. Operate authorized telephone, radio, CAD, and criminal justice information systems, including VESTA, METERS/NCIC, JPortal, and eJustice, consistent with training and access authorization. Perform authorized criminal justice inquiries and process warrant, missing-person, stolen-property and related records, including hit confirmations, locates, entries, modifications, cancellations, and clearances as trained and assigned. Maintain accurate electronic incident and warrant documentation, including the warrant spreadsheet and warrant drive; follow applicable recordkeeping and audit-trail procedures. Coordinate information and assistance with Montgomery County emergency communications, fire/EMS, neighboring law enforcement agencies, crisis-response resources, and approved service providers. Assist walk-in visitors and telephone callers while maintaining operational awareness of the dispatch desk; route non-emergency inquiries and requests appropriately. Process incoming Tip411 information under departmental procedures; initiate CAD incidents and make required notifications when appropriate. Coordinate tow rotation requests and document tow company responses, refusals, and dispositions as required. Protect criminal justice information and confidential records; follow FBI CJIS, MSP/METERS, NCIC, departmental security, access, and dissemination requirements. Monitor equipment and report outages; follow approved backup communications, continuity-of-operations, and shift- relief briefing procedures. Maintain required certifications, participate in continuing training and emergency preparedness exercises, and perform related duties within the classification. Learn and demonstrate proficiency in call-taking, radio procedures, CAD documentation, local geography, and department-specific operating procedures. Complete required initial training and certifications, including Basic 9-1-1, CJIS Security Awareness, and applicable METERS/NCIC access requirements within established timeframes. Seek guidance or supervisory review for unusual, complex, or unfamiliar criminal justice transactions or operational situations. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; ability to pass required testing and background investigation; ability to obtain and maintain required system certifications and access. Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Ability to communicate clearly and calmly under pressure; prioritize concurrent calls, radio traffic, and computer tasks; exercise sound judgment; protect confidential information; maintain precise records; use department communications technology; work effectively with diverse community members and public safety partners; and apply approved officer-safety and emergency procedures. Work Schedule and Conditions: This position is designated as essential personnel because public safety communications operations must be maintained 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. Employees must work assigned shifts, which may include nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, rotating schedules, and 10- …

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