JOB OBJECTIVES:

To provide a communications link between the citizenry, department, and personnel in the field. To enhance safe operations of field personnel through the timely, accurate relay of critical information.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

Characteristic duties of a Police Communications Operator include extensive contact with citizens reporting various crimes or other safety concerns. Extensive contact with deputies through radio communications while assigning calls for service or relaying pertinent information; i.e., look-outs, vehicle/operator registration or license information, wanted checks, etc.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TASKS:

1.     Operates telephone system in receiving and transferring calls. Receives emergency calls from often times hysterical or highly stressed subjects who have been victimized. (Daily)
2.     Records information necessary for Patrol response; i.e., accurate address/location, phone number, other information necessary to responding units; i.e., descriptions, any weapons involved, ongoing account of critical activities, etc. (Daily)
3.     Frequent radio communications with deputies, at times during stressful situations such as pursuits or other emergency responses. (Daily)
4.     Operating MILES/NCIC computer terminals, sending and receiving teletype messages through the system, routing teletype messages to proper personnel. Enters and removes stolen property from NCIC. Performs warrant checks and sends confirmation messages on wanted subjects. (Daily)
5.     Operates departmental CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system. (Daily)
6.     Maintains logs or other information ledgers as directed by higher authority. (Daily)
7.     Assists/directs public walk-ins, controls electronically locked front entrance doors to Patrol Building. (Daily)
8.     Frequently contacts a wide variety of other public service agencies within the county while forwarding information or requesting specialized assistance. (Daily)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1.     Minimum of 19 years of age at time of appointment.
2.     Graduation from a recognized high school or possession of a general educational development certificate recognized by the Maryland Board of Education.
3.     Must be a citizen of the United States at time of appointment.
4.     Successful completion of post job offer medical examination.
5.     Must be able to type a minimum of 25 words per minute, (corrected for errors).
6.     Successful completion of departmental background investigation to include polygraph examination.
7.     Successful competition in competitive testing.
8.     Training or experience in personal computers beneficial.

NECESSARY SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1.     Ability to communicate in an articulate fashion by telephone or person to person.
2.     Ability to receive information, retain information, and transfer information, often during intense, stressful situations.
3.     Ability to speak clearly and articulate information over a communications radio.
4.     Ability to utilize good spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
5.     Ability to become familiar with communications computer systems in order to enter as well as retrieve information from MILES, NCIC, CJIS, and the CAD System.
6.     Develop an excellent working knowledge of Washington County geography.
7.     Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
8.     Ability to perform related tasks as assigned by higher authority.
9.     Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.