Communications Officer - City of Andover

Under the supervision of the Communications Director this position is responsible for work handling communication relay for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and other emergency service units as needed. Work involves responsibility for radio, emergency and non-emergency telephone lines, KCJIS, computer, in-person, and written communications relay of information both public and confidential in nature. Personnel in this position must be able to act without supervision. Work is reviewed by supervisor(s) through reports and observations.

Essential Functions of Work

• Answer and direct telephone calls both emergency and non-emergency in manner.
• Accurately enter information into CAD and RMS systems.
• Relay vital information to patrol officers and/or summoning the proper authority.
• Maintain accurate radio logs, telephone logs, and computerized department inventories.
• Accurately complete warrant, case and photographic files, type reports.
• Utilize state and federal telecommunications systems (NCIC/KCJIS) to send and receive teletype messages; response to requests from authorized personnel for criminal record checks, warrants, wanted persons, etc.; check for stolen vehicles and parts; and to process criminal history records checks.
• Frequent contact with other city departments and continual contact with the general public. Assist customers at the counter by receiving/disbursing certain fees, obtaining copies of accident/incident reports and other documents.
• Perform basic clerical duties including filing, scanning, copying and faxing of documents
• Serve as the front line operators of the City’s mass notification system.
• Monitor, update and respond to the police department’s social media pages.
• Periodic checks on prisoner(s) in the holding cell and monitoring city security video.
• Completion of at least (15) hours of continuing education training annually to maintain proficiency and certifications.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Some knowledge of laws, rules and regulations governing criminal activities.
• Ability to use of a computer, communication equipment and other office duties.
• Frequent problem-solving includes but is not limited to citizen's complaints, equipment malfunction, call prioritizing
• Frequent decision making includes but is not limited to dispatching proper emergency units and classifying calls

  Qualifications

• Prior experience is not required. One to three years of public safety communications experience is desirable. High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment security clearance check conducted on a local and national level, and the ability to be able to maintain a good moral character sufficient to testify credibly in a court of law.
• Must successfully complete all job-related training and certifications as required by state and federal statutes and departmental procedures within the first six (6) months of employment. Employee will be required in an additional six months to demonstrate competency and proficiency.

 Physical Requirements

• Mental alertness is very important because of the need to make fine discriminations and decisions concerning impending danger. Incumbents must maintain a physical and mental state of fitness and readiness that will enable them to handle stressful situations. Some contact with dangerous and potentially dangerous people, equipment and weather conditions may occur.
• Work conditions may vary by shift, prolonged periods of sitting/standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional maximum lift of 25 lbs from floor to waist; frequent forward reach; occasional crouch/bend; constant hand coordination; occasional stand; and occasional walk.

Shift Hours

• This position is a 12-hour shift position. Communications officers are required to work weekends, holidays, day or night shifts as directed by supervisory staff.