Dispatch

Essential Functions

• Answers emergency 911 and non-emergency phone lines;
• Dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment in regard to Police, Fire, and / or EMS response;
• Records information required to document time and nature of call as well as time and nature of response;
• Monitors burglar and fire alarm systems, dispatches appropriate department;
• Answers after hour emergency calls for Public Works, Water / Sewer Departments, Animal Control Officers and other city offices;
• Dispatches appropriate personnel and equipment to non-emergent calls such as sewer, water, animal control officers and other city offices;
• Enters all actions taken into computer aided dispatch system;
• Operates NCIC terminals to enter / retrieve law enforcement information / data, logs calls to provide a record of daily activities;
• Monitors / operates two-way radios to provide information and monitor status of City of Kingsport law enforcement personnel, City of Kingsport Fire Department personnel, and Sullivan County EMS personnel as the nature and location of calls;
• Observes all closed-circuit television monitors for activity in restricted area(s);
• Conducts regular tests of pagers and radio equipment to ensure continuous proper operating condition;
• Provides informational assistance to other law enforcement personnel, agencies and city department staff through TCIC and TIES;
• Maintains and updates CAD unicodes, tables, unit assignments and Geo-Base to meet needs of daily operations;
• Serve on committees;
• Fulfill obligations of the Communications Shift Leader in his / her absence;
• When assigned may appear and testify on behalf of City of Kingsport law enforcement officers regarding the authenticity of recorded messages; and
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of 911 emergency dispatch policies and practices;
• Knowledge of NCIC, TCIC and TIES computer operation and use policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of the streets, locations and addresses within the City of Kingsport;
• Knowledge of all applicable emergency response plans including Emergency Preparedness and Sullivan County EOP Hazmat Emergency Response Plan;
• Knowledge of Emergency Medical Dispatch policies and procedures;
• Skill in communicating using standard telephone and two-way radio equipment;
• Skill in evaluating emergency calls and determining appropriate level of response required;
• Skill in remaining calm during emergency situations and communicating effectively to persons in varying degrees of hysteria;
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other law enforcement personnel, other city personnel, outside law enforcement agencies and the general public;
• Skill in working in an environment subject to quickly changing priorities and frequent situations requiring the demonstration of judgment in emergency and life threatening occurrences via telephone.

Education and Experience

High school graduate or high school equivalent; experience not required but prefer experience equivalent to one-year full time office support work.

Ability to complete a course of study leading to certification to operate NCIC terminal and Emergency Medical Dispatch within the first year of employment.

Last updated : 2024-06-10