About the Department

CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

ENTRY SALARY: $53,662.26

Under general supervision, the Police Telecommunicator I receive and takes both emergency (including 911 and text-to-911) and non-emergency calls, inputs information into computerized systems and communicates information to emergency personnel in the field. Coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to emergency and non-emergency situations. Manages the activities of numerous officers and prioritizes incidents in a stressful, fast-paced environment.

Position Duties

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aides, assists, and coordinates the activities of police officers working incidents and situations within the City; answers 911 line, engages with citizens, and dispatches personnel where needed.
Answers and receives emergency and non-emergency calls; dispatches calls for service based upon call prioritization; disseminates and communicates information to officers using a police radio and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Monitors and manages officers location and status; checks locations officers are being sent to for cautions or hazards and advises officers; maintains communication with officers while on calls to ensure safety and dispatches back-up officer(s) if needed or requested; provides assistance and support for officers in the field.
Answers, responds, and engages with various callers; gathers vital information for officers from callers in various stages of emotional distress; communicates with victims of crimes and maintains composure, tact, and professionalism when handling challenging situations and gathering critical information.
Provides professional and effective communication between multiple agencies in split jurisdiction situations; assists with information gathering and communication and facilitates teamwork.
Runs checks for warrants and other required information for field officers utilizing the FCIC/NCIC system; provides information on stolen vehicles, stolen articles, missing people and other field requests.
Contacts local, state, and national law enforcement agencies to provide or receive information.
May provide training for new Telecommunicator personnel; monitors training activities and tracks performance and evaluates skill; completes necessary paperwork to track training activities performed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid State driver’s license is required.
State Mandated 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Certification within a one-year period.
FCIC/NCIC Full Access Certification within six (6) months.

Employees selected for this position must meet FDLE guidelines in order to access sensitive and/or confidential information. Applicants with arrest histories for felonies or serious misdemeanors may be denied access to this information and as such, will not meet the minimum qualifications for a position with the City of Clearwater.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate AND Six (6) months of customer contact or multi-line call-handling in public safety, healthcare, utilities, transportation, or similar high-volume environment; or completion of an agency-approved telecommunicator academy; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.