DISPATCHER/POLICE 76151

2/1/91 F

This is the first class in the Dispatcher series. Positions in this class perform a variety of communications tasks in support of agency public safety, security, and law enforcement operations. This class is distinguished from the Dispatcher/State Police by the latter class's significantly larger geographic area of coverage and the potential for involvement in statewide law enforcement.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty with responsibility for independently responding to and prioritizing emergency and non-emergency calls. This class operates a variety of equipment which includes data telephone systems, land mobile communications systems, two-way radios, teletype transmitters, and VHF marine radios. Typical duties involve initiating radio or telephone contact with security, safety, and law enforcement personnel and emergency services organizations to serve the needs of the public; recording all calls received and transmitted in a log; greeting the public; and providing information and directions through the interpretation of policies, procedures, and regulations. This class also provides administrative support by entering and retrieving a variety of data into and from computerized data systems, such as the Virginia Crime Information Network, National Crime Information Network, Tidewater Electronic Network of Police Information, and agency-unique systems. Positions in this class may also retrieve information for background investigations; make and issue identification cards and fishing licenses; issue vehicle decals; trace vehicles; maintain vehicle registration records and traffic ticket files; maintain key security systems, and issue and collect keys; monitor and reset intrusion and fire alarms; schedule equipment repair and maintenance; and inventory and order supplies.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor; however, positions may provide direction to wage and student employees.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from Office Services Supervisors; Office Services Supervisors Senior; Police Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains and Directors; and Marine Resources Patrol Inspector Supervisors.

Scope: Performs work that affects a variety of public safety, security and law enforcement activities of an agency.

Impact of Actions: Positions in this class have a significant impact on the safety and security of an agency. Failure to perform correctly required duties may cause critical public safety, security, and law enforcement operations to be interrupted with the possibility of loss of life, loss of goodwill, and the destruction of property.

Personal Contacts: Positions in this class have frequent internal contact to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations, to dispatch personnel, and to request information. Positions have frequent internal and external contact with other state and local law enforcement agencies to collect and share information; local, state, and federal emergency services agencies to request assistance and provide information; and the general public to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations, and to provide services.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of the agency's policies, procedures, and regulations, and the agency's physical plant and layout. Working knowledge of radio codes, voice communications systems, and office practices and procedures.

Skills: Working skill in keyboarding and operating voice communications equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to think and respond quickly in emergency situations; work independently; use sound judgment; enunciate clearly at an appropriate voice volume; to write legibly; and to maintain confidentiality.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Certification as a dispatcher in accordance with standards set by the Department of Criminal Justices Services. Certification as a Virginia Criminal Investigation Network (VCIN) operator in accordance with standards set by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Public contact and office services experience using communications equipment.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces the Police Communications Operator class, effective February 1, 1991.