Definition

Under general supervision, is responsible for dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical services; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

Views multiple computer monitors and maps; enters and forwards information using the C.A.D. system with over one hundred (100) separate computer commands;
Marks cruisers into and out of service; updates badge information; monitors status and location of assigned cruisers and updates cruiser status as needed;
Determines cruiser to be assigned based upon priority of run and the number of cruisers needed to answer a call;
Evaluates information received and appropriate course of action to be taken;
Dispatches calls for service using established run-priority lists and assigns cruisers and/or supervisors as required;
Communicates with officers via mobile computers to relay information off the air when information is sensitive, to provide detailed information, or to stay aware of personnel activities;
Monitors and handles the demand for service on talk groups and makes notifications to supervisors, others within the division, and other agencies as needed;
Operates computerized and electronic two-way radio consoles to dispatch police cruisers and tow trucks and to relay messages to police personnel in the field;
Performs queries on suspects, license plates, etc. for police officers and other authorized personnel using a computerized national, state, and regional crime information system;
Utilizes reference materials such as maps, directories, and street locators in order to provide information to dispatched units;
Advises citizens of dispatching goals and calls citizens back concerning time delays or other pertinent information;
Utilizes computer aided dispatching (C.A.D.) system to dispatch calls for fire and emergency medical services using established protocols and assigns emergency units and/or supervisors as appropriate;
Evaluates the response for fire and/or emergency medical services recommended by the C.A.D. system to determine the most appropriate response;
Marks fire and EMS units into and out of service; monitors status and location of apparatus and updates status as appropriate;
Makes appropriate notification to and coordinates the response from mutual aid agreement agencies for police, fire, and/or emergency medical services; makes calls to mutual aid agencies to confirm the availability of resources;
Communicates with fire personnel via mobile computers to relay information off-radio when information is sensitive and/or to provide detailed information;
Facilitates communications between emergency medical personnel and hospital staff;
Participates in specialized training activities to achieve and maintain Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification;
May train entry-level personnel; prepares detailed documentation of training;
May prepare informal written reports;
May perform the duties of a 911 Emergency Call Taker.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of the twelfth school grade and two (2) years of experience responding to 911 emergency calls, or two (2) years of experience answering calls within a high-volume call center, performing dispatching duties within a dispatching or logistics operation, or performing clerical and/or administrative duties in a law enforcement agency or other public safety organization. Substitution(s): A certificate of high school equivalence (GED) will be accepted in lieu of a high school diploma.

Some positions may require possession of valid Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of basic spelling and English usage; considerable knowledge of police 10-codes; general knowledge of procedures for data entry using a computer; general knowledge of the names and location of principal streets and buildings in the City of Columbus; general knowledge of the geographical layout of the City of Columbus; general knowledge of Public Safety hierarchy and the specialized units and bureaus to be dispatched; skill to type 3,500 keystrokes per hour; ability to see, to read, and/or to verify the accuracy of ALI and ANI information, C.A.D. information, and comparable computer screens; ability to respond to simultaneously presented visual stimuli; ability to hear to understand information received by telephone and radio; ability to speak clearly and concisely; ability to follow instructions; ability to make decisions in the absence of clear-cut guidelines; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to work under pressure and in a high-stress environment; ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency or crisis situations; ability to assess and prioritize information received quickly; ability to operate a mechanical keyboard; ability to recall information; ability to read a map or street locator; ability to locate principle streets, natural landmarks, major buildings, and institutions; ability to understand and communicate standard descriptions of persons or vehicles; ability to maintain effective relations with superiors, associates, and the public.

Test/Job Contact Information

COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCEMENT: The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be MERGED, according to score, with the names of applicants on the current eligible list. If you are interested in having your name included on the eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Applicant and Employees Services Unit at (614) 645-8301.

The examination process will consist of a computerized job simulation exam weighted 100% covering Decision Making, Data Entry, Call Summarization, Cross Referencing, Memory Recall, and Prioritization. Candidates must achieve 3500 keystrokes per hour (KPH) on the data entry subtests in order to continue through the rest of the test.

The exam is expected to be administered several times throughout the year. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test. For any position within the Division of Police, the hiring process will also include the completion of an extensive personal history questionnaire and a polygraph examination.

The certification process will be: Ten Point Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.79 - $33.79 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

Columbus, OH: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Columbus Emergency Communication Center

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