Dispatcher- Public Safety at SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Job Title

Dispatcher- Public Safety

Location

Main Campus - Dayton, OH

Job Number

05038

Department

Public Safety

Job Category

Support

Job Type

Full-Time

Status

Regular

Job Open Date

09/13/2024

Resume Review Date

09/30/2024

Closing Date

09/27/2024

Open Until Filled

No

Position Summary

Department of Sinclair Police Dispatcher duties include receiving incoming calls, obtaining essential data, properly evaluating situation, and initiating an appropriate law enforcement response. Police Dispatchers receive and transfer telephone messages; exercise sound judgment in the dispatching of police crews; provide accurate and timely information to callers; maintain various logs; records information regarding incoming calls, and responses initiated. Dispatchers must also be proficient in the referring of callers to an alternative source, when the incoming call is not of a police nature. Dispatchers maintain a wide variety of records and logs, and conduct file searches as necessary.

All dispatchers must be willing and able to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, etc. Dispatchers may work independently or under general supervision, usually at the rank of lieutenant. Dispatchers must obtain a certification through a demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the Ohio Law Enforcement Data System (LEADS) and/or other required computer systems including the City of Dayton’s MIS. Dispatchers must be able to code messages, enter messages, or inquire into the system as necessary and be able to effectively relate the results of their inquiries by utilizing the police radio system. Police dispatchers also operate audio/visual monitoring systems.

Police Dispatchers must have the ability to speak with authority and control during incidents involving high levels of stress. They must maintain voice control while making important announcements of the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS), which may be heard by all upon the campus. A dispatcher must also be adept in precise and concise verbal skills while communicating with officers and/or outside agencies during emergency situations.

Dispatchers presently fulfill the duties of the LEADS Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC). A LEADS TAC shall be appointed by each terminal agency administrator. The TAC must be fully certified as a LEADS operator and will have supervisory authority over the operation of LEADS approved equipment. The TAC is directly responsible to the agency administrator for the operation and security of LEADS. An agency administrator can assign an “assistant TAC” to assist with the TAC responsibilities. The TAC or the assistant TAC is responsible for the training of LEADS terminal operators in all facets of LEADS operation. They also train other affected personnel as to the operational capabilities of the LEADS, administrative rules, and authorized use/dissemination. They also ensure that each operator reviews training materials and is recertified as required.

Computer skills are a must and the dispatcher must have an exceptional working knowledge of the most commonly used programs as well as an ability to quickly learn and understand new and unfamiliar platforms.

Dispatchers may be the first to become aware of emergency weather situations which will require special attention from the Department of Public Safety. They must be well versed in departmental procedures so that compliance with established mandates can be maintained, thereby avoiding sanctions from governing bodies, such as the U. S. Department of Education.

Principal Accountabilities

• Evaluate all requests received by and from the public and assign an officer to respond to the request, and possesses the ability to differentiate and prioritize what they hear
• Respond personally to requests received through information available through our office or by communication with other departments on campus
• Evaluate and gain information concerning contacts of an emergency nature whether criminal or medical
• Responsible for monitoring all emergency equipment located within the communication center and utilize emergency equipment when needed, systems include the Automated Alarms, Access Control System, Fire system, surveillance camera systems, blue light emergency intercoms, radio and telephone recording devices, emergency wall telephones, emergency radio notification radio and an emergency evacuation intercom system
• The dispatcher must “account” for each alarm – send response “team” and document what the outcome was by use of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software
• Must maintain an electronic daily log based on dispatched activity–dispatching an officer on a call can be used as evidence in court; therefore, accuracy is essential
• Accept and log lost and found property as well as returning the lost property to rightful owners
• Assign and record report numbers to officers for written reports
• Receives work assignments and requests for service from the Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police, Assistant Chief, lieutenants, officers, department heads, Sinclair staff and faculty, students, visitors and contractors. The contact is either in person, by telephone or by radio
• This position operates individually and is accountable for decision-making the majority of the time
• Certain situations require the dispatcher to contact a Lieutenant, Assistant Chief or the Chief of Police for special requests or unusual situations
• Monitor a wide variety of situations, including the parking situation for contractors and visitors parking as well as authorizing the parking of vehicles
• Maintain records of contractors and visitors as they work on campus
• Monitor the working condition of all communication equipment and coordinate needed repairs
• Train officers and part-time personnel to effectively and efficiently operate the communications center

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 1 year police dispatch and call evaluator work experience required
• LEADS State Certification training to operate the LEADS which is a terminal interface to LEADS system preferred; training will be provided for this database if needed
• Ability to learn the operation of the Simplex alarm system, Siemens fire system, Datatel, JusticeWeb, MIS, OHLEG and CCTV systems required
• Computer operation and keyboarding skills to prepare daily activity logs required
• Ability to extract pertinent information from face-to-face interactions and via phone required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for public interaction required
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, prioritize; and exercise good judgment in emergencies required