Dispatcher


Department: Police Department
Status: Hourly, Full-Time, Benefits
Hours: Shift work and Shift rotations

GENERAL PURPOSE

The dispatcher dispatches police patrols to crime and accident scenes and maintains contact, and refers calls not related to the Police Department and other duties which may be assigned. This is routine work involving responsibility for the prompt and accurate receipt and transmission of messages by radio, telephone, and teletype. Is assigned to a particular shift, serves as a police radio and telephone operator at the Police Headquarters in the Police Department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The work is performed under the supervision of the Police Lieutenant in charge of his/her assigned shift and general supervision from the Administrative Captain.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

Starting Pay Rate: $12.25/hour
Experienced = Training and experience will be evaluated to determine salary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Receives and transmits all telephone and radio messages
  • Keeps radio patrols advised of developments and proper approach in handling of crime and criminals when such guidance is necessary
  • Receives reports and complaints coming to Police Headquarters by telephone, car radio, and other sources
  • Monitors Alert and Alarm Systems and passes information on to the proper persons when emergency data are transmitted to them
  • Calls ambulance services and repair crews as needed
  • Keeps a log showing all pertinent information received during a shift
  • Assists in booking prisoners
  • Exchanges information with the National Crime Information Center as required
  • Maintains card files and gives information when requested on stolen cars, missing persons, etc.
  • Maintains radio contact with State authorities and surrounding cities
  • Observes burglar alarms connected to Police Headquarters
  • Acts as Deputy Court Clerk receiving fines and bail bonds, issuing affidavits and arrest warrants on crimes and misdemeanors, and issuing subpoenas to witnesses
  • Collects and documents monies receives, i.e. bonds, fines, copy monies
  • Shall become familiar with all city ordinances
  • Any technical action that needs clarification, i.e. laws, rules, regulations, if not positively known and referenced, shall not be released to any person without advice from the Chief of Police.

REPORTING SICK

The Dispatcher will notify the Shift Lieutenant or Shift Sergeant no later than one (1) hour prior to his/her assigned duty hours on the day of an illness. The Dispatcher will secure permission with the Chief of Police or Assistant Chief of Police to be absent for any reason.

DRESS CODE

Uniform or as prescribed by the Chief of Police

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent with specialized course work in general office practices such as typing, accounting, and/or data processing.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; modern office practices and procedures; and standard office software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Skill in Operating Listed Tools and Equipment
  • Ability to perform arithmetic computations accurately and quickly
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
  • Ability to establish successful working relationships
  • Ability to work under pressure and/or frequent interruptions
  • Ability to work with angry and difficult customers.
  • Be able to read and write standard English and the ability to speak English clearly.

Tools and Equipment Used: Personal computer, telephone, fax and copy machines

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Requires sufficient finger dexterity to operate computer keyboards.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus, 20/20 corrected vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Submission of completed Employment Application (with resume as a supplement only) to Human Resources; notification of examination date and location; written examination; evaluation of education and experience; oral interview and reference/background check; other job-related tests as required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

City of Ocean Springs Employment Application

  • Read carefully and follow all instructions. Failure to follow instructions may result in disqualification.
  • Completion of the Employment Application is required, even if you include your resume.
  • If a deadline is posted, it applies to when the Application is received by the Human Resources Department, not the date mailed, completed, or submitted to any department other than Human Resources. Applications received by Human Resources after the deadline, regardless of postmark, will be kept on file for one year for eligibility for future openings of that position/test, but will not be eligible for the current position/test.
Download the printable version here

Position applying for:

Additional Information

NOTE: A conviction does not necessarily disqualify one for employment.

Employment History

Start with current or most recent job and list all employment (including FT, PT, temporary, and any periods of unemployment) for the last 10 years, at a minimum. Complete all sections of this form; you may attach your résumé to provide more detail. Do not leave any blanks.

Current/Latest Employment
Second Latest Employment
Third Latest Employment

Education and Training

List your high school, GED, and formal education beyond high school.

References

Do NOT list anyone related to you. Do NOT list any elected official of the City of Ocean Springs. List three persons you have known for at least one year. Provide current contact information.

How Did You Learn of this Position?

Equal Opportunity

The City of Ocean Springs encourages Employment Applications from qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability status, marital status, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation or beliefs, religious affiliation or beliefs, or any other legally protected status.

Applicant’s Statement and Certification

Read carefully before signing.

  • I understand that this Application is valid for 12 months for the position selected on Page One. I also understand that this Application, any attachments, and test papers become the property of the City of Ocean Springs (the City) upon submission and will not be returned to me, the applicant.
  • I understand that possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure that I will be invited to the next phase of the process. Likewise, I understand that completing and passing City testing (if applicable) does not guarantee that I will receive an interview or an offer of employment.
  • I understand that I must bring and show valid government-issued photo ID for positive identification for employment testing.
  • I understand that hiring and compensation decisions are contingent upon approval of the City of Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen.
  • I understand that, per Civil Service Rule 20, any person employed by the City of Ocean Springs shall reside within a 50-mile radius of the City of Ocean Springs within the first six months of employment.
  • I understand that, per Miss. Code Ann. 21-31-15 (2011), all applicants for a position of any kind under civil service must be a citizen of the United States and an elector of the county in which he/she resides.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs is a Drug-Free Workplace, and that the City requires post-offer drug/alcohol testing prior to employment, and conducts post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and random drug/alcohol testing during employment.
  • I understand that the City of Ocean Springs participates in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program and that, upon hire, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required original documentation. I understand that my identity and employment eligibility will be verified if I am offered and accept employment.
  • I understand that all employees are hired as probationary ‘at-will’ employees, meaning that employment may be terminated at any time with or without cause; that employees on new-hire probation are not covered by civil service; and that successful completion of the new-hire probationary period by a full-time employee results in civil service status, but does not guarantee continuation of employment. I also understand that part-time and temporary positions are always ‘at-will’ and do not obtain civil service status.
  • I understand that if I am offered and accept employment with the City, then I am required to abide by the rules and regulations of the City of Ocean Springs.
  • I certify that the answers given by me in this Application and any attachments are true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that any misstatement or omission of fact in this Application or in any document used to obtain employment may result in rejection of this Application, removal from any employment list, disqualification from future consideration for employment, and/or immediate termination of employment, regardless of the time elapsed before discovery of the misstatement or omission.
  • I understand that all answers and information are subject to investigation and verification.
  • I acknowledge that I have read and understand this statement and the instructions throughout this Application.

Authorization for Inquiry and Release of Information

Having made application for employment with the City of Ocean Springs, I hereby authorize the City to research and make inquiry of my history and records including financial, academic, military, employment, judicial, criminal, driving record, personal references, and/or online social networking pages. I further authorize the release of all such information to the City, and I agree that such organizations, persons, and others shall not be held liable for such information or damages that may result from furnishing the information requested. I understand my rights under the Privacy Act of 1974, with regard to access and disclosure of records, and I waive these rights with the understanding that information furnished will be used by the City of Ocean Springs for the application and employment process. 
This Authorization will be valid whether as an original, a photocopy, or a fax copy, and remains valid for one year after I sign. Upon request, a copy of this signed Authorization may be furnished to the school, present or former employer, present or former landlord, criminal justice agency, or other persons and organizations asked to provide information.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance with the Application.

Upload Your Resume Here - You may upload more than one document at a time.

We encourage you to check our Employment Opportunities webpage regularly. Applications are accepted even if no vacancies exist.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Ocean Springs.

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