Police Service Officer I - Telecommunicator/Detention Officer

TELECOMMUNICATOR ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The listed duties are essential job functions that the position has been created to perform. The list of duties is not exhaustive. The employee may be called upon to perform any task that is implied from the listed duties or is within the scope of the general summary.

• Must be able to operate a multi-button telephone system, base radios, computer terminals, and teletype equipment to receive, evaluate, and transmit information that frequently involves emergency situations affecting human welfare and safety.
• Receive calls on emergency and non-emergency telephone lines and dispatch units to respond
• Evaluate incoming calls, dispatch field units, and transmit information and messages upon request and/or according to established procedures.
• Relay messages between units or between a mobile unit and a stationary base.
• Dispatch police units, maintain police dispatch logs and other police functions.
• Take telephone complaints and requests for information or assistance and relay them to appropriate personnel.
• Work with intercity communications.
• Must be able to maintain, without interruption, all necessary licenses, certifications, clearances, and/or job requirements.
• Works the assigned schedule and complies with the City's timekeeping and attendance policy.

DETENTION OFFICER ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The listed duties are essential job functions that the position has been created to perform. The list of duties is not exhaustive. The employee may be called upon to perform any task that is implied from the listed duties or is within the scope of the general summary.

• Guard the prisoner population; assume responsibility for all needs of prisoners during detention; lock prisoners in cell after searching for weapons, valuables, or drugs.
• Ensure safekeeping of prisoners and the security of the municipal jail
• Perform searches of inmates and all areas for contraband.
• Prepare and serve meals to prisoners and provide or obtain medical aid if needed, including appropriate dispensing of prescription medicine.
• Process booking records identifying prisoners and charges assigned.
• Maintain custody of personal belongings of prisoners.
• Inspect facilities for cleanliness.
• Select trustees for special work assignments.
• Prepare reports concerning inmate populations and jail functions.
• May be required to perform strenuous physical activity related to prisoner control.
• Operate jail systems.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED: Applicants must type at least 25 words per minute. Applicants must pass Nelson-Denny vocabulary/reading comprehension test with a score of 12.0 (twelfth grade) or better. Applicants must pass entry telecommunicator exam (Criticall). Detention Officer experience preferred. Telecommunicator experience preferred. Candidates will be subjected to an extensive background investigation. Medical examination. Psychological examination. Must have a high school diploma and/or GED. Must have a valid/current Driver License with a good driving history. Must be a US citizen. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be able to communicate clearly and distinctly in English, both verbally and in writing. Must have normal hearing in both ears. Applicants have one year from date of hire to obtain their TCOLE Basic Telecommunicator License. Must be available for all shifts, holidays and weekends. PREFERRED: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

This position is full-time, 12-hour shifts (6 am-6 pm or 6 pm-6 am) on a fixed schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays. The department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Successful candidates must be able to work all shifts and have the flexibility to alter schedules based on departmental and operational needs. Mandatory overtime will be required during critical incidents or to maintain staffing levels. The job requires a combination of public service commitment and strong technical skills that can be learned during an on-the-job training period.