City of Tampa

This is the third level class in the Public Safety Telecommunications series, performing the full range of Public Safety Communications duties, with primary focus on dispatching, which are at a higher than average level of difficulty. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Public Safety Telecommunications I and II by acting as subject matter experts, applying skilled assessment for quality assurance, training of new employees in specialized areas, development of internal training topics, and/or performing as Tactical Dispatchers. Positions at this level are fully aware of operating procedures and policies of the Communications Center and are normally filled by advancement from the Public Safety Telecommunicator II level.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing a variety of public safety communications tasks. Depending on assignment, employees might be receiving and screening incoming communications from citizens, dispatching units over a two-way radio, or participating in the training of lower level communications personnel. Under general supervision, employees’ work rotating shifts, which include nights, weekends, and holidays. Activities are of more than average difficulty and require that the employees be capable of responding quickly and rationally to emergency situations. Reasonable initiative and independent judgments are required in receiving and transmitting information some of which is highly confidential. An important aspect of this work is obtaining the most accurate and complete information possible from irate and distraught individuals who call for assistance. Work is reviewed through evaluations, observation, and records of actions taken.

Answer emergency (9-1-1) and non-emergency telephone lines obtaining information, prioritizing and confirming the location of calls as well as making independent determination of appropriate action for processing all incoming calls for service, to include relaying pertinent information to the appropriate public safety response unit (police, fire, and/or emergency medical services/EMS) or providing callers with the appropriate advice or referral.

Operate and monitor two-way radio channels, computer aided display (CAD) monitors and other related sophisticated communications equipment systems, while efficiently gathering, prioritizing, and documenting caller information.

Process complaints and make appropriate referrals on a broad variety of public safety matters, that often require referring to or memorizing detailed reference materials and standard operating procedures, including databases, maps, telephone listings, and other resources.

Summarize critical information for public safety first responders in the computer aided dispatch system using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and refer and classify calls for police/fire/EMS assistance according to the level of response required.

Receive requests by phone or electronic format from law enforcement, fire/medical personnel, and other public safety agencies to access, enter, retrieve, and disseminate data utilizing local, state and national database systems; prioritize and effectively relay information in proper format to requesting agency. Contact outside public service divisions as requested and relay information as required.

Provide unified command communications and support for major incidents both at Communications and by integrating into the mobile command post structure during extended tactical situations such as TRT activations, planned major events, and unplanned critical incidents.

Subject expertise may include, but is not limited to, the matters of Criminal Justice Information Systems, Training, Audio Records Management, Real-Time Crime Center, Tactical Dispatching, or as a participating member of the Florida Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team.

Answers telephone complaints and requests pertaining to police, fire, or other emergency services; directs complaints to proper agencies when problems are not of an emergency nature.

Determines if a police unit should be dispatched to a scene for an investigation in order to facilitate prompt referral of a case; determines the jurisdiction in which the incident occurred.

Operates two-way radio dispatching equipment to assign calls to units; maintains records on complaints including type of service required, location and identification of persons, time of dispatch, time "out of service”, and subsequent “return to service” of vehicles.

Responds to requests for information from the general public and representatives of other agencies; responds to public inquiries and/or complaints in order to share information; calls wrecker per unit(s) requests to accidents, disabled vehicles, and impound.

Receives classified information over intrastate and national crime communications system; operates video data terminal to obtain vehicle registrations and local information requests; operates terminal to determine requested information on persons, articles, and vehicles.

Runs “Wanted” inquiries on vehicles and persons (wants and warrants checks) via computer for police officers; maintains records and prepares reports as required; operates computer aided dispatch systems.

Assists in the training of new communications personnel as required; assists in the use of equipment and computer and software.

Calls back 911 hang-up calls to verify presence/lack of emergency; notifies owners/ managers of businesses of burglaries, etc.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: the city and its geography.

Working knowledge of: zone boundaries; radio transmitting equipment operating procedures and regulations; the operation of computer equipment.

Some knowledge of: records keeping and reporting; municipal ordinances, state statutes, and civil and criminal law procedures.

Ability to: react quickly, calmly, and rationally in emergencies; speak clearly and communicate effectively with police officers, firefighters, and the general public; speak a second language might be required; keep accurate records and make reports; operate various computer applications and radio dispatching equipment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; explain operation to others, when required.

Skill in: the use and care of communications equipment; typing/keyboard.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and one (1) year of experience in computer aided dispatching work for law enforcement, fire, or other public safety agency of comparable size; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid State of Florida certification as a Public Safety Tele-communicator.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.