Police Dispatch Analyst I

Position Purpose

The Police Dispatch Analyst I works under direct supervision, receives and analyzes calls and messages for police service, and dispatches resources appropriately. Provides accurate and concise information received through the Computer Aided Dispatch system, police radio transmissions, and various technologies utilized in an emergency communications center in support of police field units to promptly respond to 911 calls ensuring the safety of City of Dallas residents and police officers. Responsible for professional, administrative, and technical work in support of Police Department personnel to provide necessary support to field personnel via police radio, telephone, computer, and mobile data computers.

Essential Functions

• Determines the significance of the call and assigs the appropriate level of police resources.
• Collaborates with department supervisors to monitor and control the response of the police officers.
• Operates a Computer Aided Dispatch System (CADS) and other computer terminals.
• Monitors the location and the status of all police officers on patrol at all times.
• Analyzes all data received and assigns, broadcasts and monitors all police calls, according to the nature of the emergency and in accordance with the departmental policy.
• Maintains constant status of field units and updates dispatch information utilizing various emergency communications technologies.
• Notifies and receives police related information from other police divisions or agencies to ensure information is shared and disseminated promptly.
• Informs field officers of major incidents, hazardous situations or locations where such information will be beneficial to the safety of citizens and first responders.
• Handles and operates various emergency communications hardware, software, computer terminals, emergency communications technologies and radio console equipment to efficiently dispatch police officers throughout shift.
• Engages with all police personnel at all times to ensure prompt processing of requests and police information and provides real time incident updates on dispatch information to first responders.
• Utilizes local, state and national law enforcement databases to provide immediate and updated critical information to first responders.
• Analyzes the response plans for each incident dispatched to set up quadrants, coordinates with patrol and field units such as K-9, Air1 and SWAT, and provides an overview analysis of resources needed at the scene. Supports the field troops as needed.
• Interprets information to ensure the Police Dispatcher Analyst’s mission of keeping citizens and officers safe.
• Remains calm in a high stress environment.
• Reads, navigates, and interprets various mapping applications.
• Report to work during inclement weather and/or when additional coverage is required in the emergency unit’s 24x7x365 operations.
• Performs other work as needed or assigned.
  
  

Education

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
  
  

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years of work experience in a heavy traffic high demand customer interface call environment with at least two (2) years in general dispatch or a public safety / emergency communication dispatch field.
  
  

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION:

• Must obtain NCIC/TCIC/CJIS certification during the probationary period and renew the certification every year.
• Must obtain a Basic Telecommunicator License from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) during probationary period.
• Must obtain Emergency Police Dispatch Certificate.
• Must obtain Expediter/Service Desk Personnel License.
  
  

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be available to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Must pass an intensive background investigation and drug test.
• No FELONY or Class A MISDEMEANOR convictions.
• No Class B MISDEMEANOR convictions within the last ten (10) years.
• No drug or domestic violence related convictions.
• Cannot currently be on deferred adjudication for any FELONY, Class A or Class B MISDEMEANOR.
  
  

EXAM DESCRIPTION:

• Exam covers data entry, memory recall, spelling, reading comprehension, sentence clarity, prioritization, map reading, cross-referencing and call summarization skills.
• Time Limit: N/A
• ***Please note: The CritiCall exam for this position can only be taken two (2) times within a twelve (12) month period.
• PICTURE I.D. REQUIRED
  
  

Supplemental Information

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, through electronic devices clearly and coherently.
• Thorough knowledge of geographic layout of the City of Dallas.
• Ability to handle stress, expect the unexpected, and remain calm in all scenarios.
• Ability to effectively respond in a stressful or high-pressure environment handling emergency and non-emergency communication in a calm manner.
• Ability to handle several emergency situations at once.
• Skill in using a mixture of analysis, judgement, and experience to make a quick and sound decision, often under pressure.
• Ability to remain alert during working hours and to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive working environment.
• Skill in making recommendations to drive improvements.
• Skill in reading and analyzing reports, extracting relevant information from a variety of sources, and applying relevant data to a critical situation.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations on maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask and manage changing problems in a fast paced, multi-skill team environment.
• Ability to defuse escalated situations.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• Detail orientated, ability to determine facts and document them accurately and concisely.
• Good analytical skills as well as the ability to think strategically.
• Flexibility to work in a 24/7 call center environment, including weekends, as needed.
• Active listening skill, giving full attention to what the callers are saying, taking time to understand the main points, asking relevant questions as diplomatically as possible without interrupting.
  
  

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and partners.