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General Summary:
The Dispatcher II position is an entry level, uniformed non-sworn, support
position for the University Police Department. Under general supervision of
the Dispatch Supervisor or the shift commander, the Dispatcher II will perform
a variety of specialized support duties the Police Communication Center.
Support duties may include: Operating a centralized computer aided dispatch
system (CAD) to dispatch non-emergency and 911 calls for service to the
campus community. This includes receiving, prioritizing, and transmitting
first notification of calls for service for police, fire, and medical
assistance from the campus community. The Dispatcher II will operate a fixed
radio system, transmitting messages to multiple and portable units under
strict rules and regulations. The Dispatcher II communicates via state and
national criminal databases and is responsible for effective and accurate
communications between campus law enforcement, the public, and external law
enforcement agencies. Extensively documents actions and outcomes from all
police, fire, and medical incidents occurring on campus into the CAD system;
and perform related work as required. Regular use of judgement and discretion
is necessary to set priorities, assess the importance of information and react
quickly and effectively.
Examples of Duties:
Receives, prioritizes, transmits and documents first notification of calls
for service for police, fire and medical assistance from the University
community.
Acknowledges, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS, and Boston
EMS and Fire Department to fire, intrusion and panic alarm calls received
via outside alarm companies.
Receives, records and dispatches appropriate Police, EHS, vendor, and when
applicable fire units to elevator and campus help phones.
Receives and disseminates information through various technologies, i.e.,
police radio broadcast system, teletype system, CJIS Web RMV and statewide
police telecommunications.
Disseminates information to appropriate department personnel on routine
and emergency incidents, complaints, crimes-in-progress and medical
emergencies via radio, telephone, and LAN technologies.
Disseminates and records information provided to numerous federal, state,
municipal law enforcement and other emergency response agencies at the
scene of an incident.
Records and disseminates information to assist sworn personnel in the
coordination of activities of law enforcement personnel who are engaged in
significant, high-stress law enforcement and fire service actions such as
high-speed chases, domestic abuse, medical assistance, natural disasters,
motor vehicle accidents with injuries, psychological commitments, drug
surveillance, restraining orders and search warrants, etc.
Maintains records and logs of information such as all messages received
and transmitted and individuals or authorities to contact in emergency
situations via computer aided dispatch (CAD) system.
Provides, at the direction and discretion of a senior command staff
member, campus-wide critical emergency notifications system following
established federal, state and Clery Act guidelines.
Disseminates and records information provided by other law enforcement
agencies relative to missing or wanted individuals, criminal history
checks, stolen property and sensitive intelligence such as drug
interdiction and terrorist activities, etc., in a prompt fashion to
appropriate department personnel.
Responds to requests for information from the public and other agencies,
providing general, non-critical information concerning travel directions,
general hazards, construction work, weather and road conditions.
Enters appropriate data records via Leaps/CJIS/NCIC systems to assure
proper recording in compliance with state records retention standards.
Trains and guides on department systems.
Responds to requests for, and disseminates, student information retrieved
via the University's records program to appropriate department personnel.
Maintains a working knowledge of the University's camera systems to
provide assistance to investigating officer(s) when necessary, and to
provide a visual means of monitoring areas impacted by emergencies, i.e.
motor vehicle accidents and emergency weather conditions.
Maintains ability to retrieve previous radio transmissions or telephone
calls through recording software and playback systems.
Keeps abreast and complies with all Police Communication Center
guidelines, directives, announcements, special orders, policies and
procedures.
Performs other related duties, consistent with position, as required.
Qualifications:
The incumbent must possess the ability to be certified by the Association of
Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and must provide
fingerprinting. The incumbent will be required to work a varied work schedule
including but not limited to nights, weekends and holidays.
Knowledge of the proper telephone procedures for making and receiving
agency calls.
Knowledge of the methods of operating mobile and fixed radio
communications equipment.
Knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing radio
communications equipment.
Ability to use proper English grammar, both orally and in writing, clearly
and distinctly.
Ability to understand, explain and apply rules, policies, procedures and
guidelines.
Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to gather information through questioning individuals.
Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established
procedures.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with
others.
Ability to deal tactfully with others.
Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency requirements.
Ability to maintain a calm manner, make decisions and act quickly in
stressful and emergency situations.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Strong commitment to customer service.
Qualifications acquired on the job: (List knowledge, skills, abilities):
Knowledge of Police Communication Center's policies and procedures.
Knowledge of University and Department rules, regulations, policies,
procedures, and directives.
Department In-Service training as deemed necessary to perform job
requirements and gain new and advanced skills.
Considerable experience in the operation of radio systems, security and
fire alarm monitoring systems and State and national databases.
Considerable experience in the operation of fire systems to monitor and
record all campus fire and intrusion alarms.
Considerable experience in the operation of the alarm system to monitor
all intrusions.
First Aid, CPR and APCO Basic Telecommunicator certifications.
Knowledge of the geographical layout of the University and area
immediately surrounding the campus.
Proficiency in retrieving data from the University student and staff data
banks.
Proficiency in entering and retrieving data from the national, state and
local police database systems such as NCIC and IMC.
Minimum entrance requirements:
High School graduate or equivalent.
Knowledge of geographical directions (north, south east, west).
Typing/keyboarding skills
Computer skills including skills in handling multiple computer monitoring
systems.
Ability to read and speak the English language in a clear and concise
manner.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree
Previous experience with law enforcement or security dispatching
Bilingual background with fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese
Possession of a current APCO Basic Dispatch certificate
Background Check Information:
Satisfactory completion of a background check is required for employment.
UMass Boston Police Department will issue a conditional offer of employment to
the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals
disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate
knowingly withheld or falsified information.
The standard background check includes criminal and license check, National
Sex Offender Registry, fingerprinting, employment and education verification.
Background checks for this position are conducted by the UMass Boston Police
Department.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three
professional work references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Grade: 13
This is a non-exempt union position.
All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.
UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.
As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are
provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable
accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator Andrea
Haas or 617-287-5148.
