Job Details

Community Services Dispatcher

The Furman University Police Department (FUPD) is the primary department charged with creating a safe and secure environment at Furman University. FUPD operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is comprised of 25 staff members. The department consists of commissioned police officers, dispatchers and administrators dedicated to providing best-in-class service to the community. The department is organized into two divisions: operations and administration. Telecommunicators report to the administrative division. This position is a SCCJA certified police telecommunications officer working under the general supervision of an assigned shift supervisor. The primary purpose is to provide all communications for Furman Police in their day-to-day activities. This position must be staffed at all times, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and telecommunications officers work 12-hour shifts.

Responsibilities:

• Answering, receiving, transferring, and dispatching functions related to both routine and emergency calls for service, dispatching law enforcement officers and other public safety services to the scene of incidents, providing real-time information from federal, state, and local crime databases.
• Maintains radio communication with on-duty police officers and support staff through the use of various radio equipment and computer software applications. Implements and assists with the coordination of special and emergency procedures of units responding to emergency situations. Assists with Clery compliance by issuing authorized emergency notifications.
• Monitors fire and security alarms, access control systems, personal safety applications, surveillance camera systems including license plate readers, and NOAA weather radio/iNWS severe weather forecasts. Requests and confirms information from the National Crime Information Center and other criminal justice information systems via computer network terminals for criminal information needed by police units in the field.
• Provides in-person and over the phone customer service to the members of the campus community and general public that are consistent with the departmental policy and within the normal scope of services rendered by law enforcement personnel. Performs administrative procedures, computer-aided dispatch data entry, and other record keeping required for the successful operation of the Communications Center and the coordination of the departmental field activity. Provides active instruction of the fundamentals of police communications and related activities to all police radio communication operator trainees.
• Assists with campus switchboard and performs other duties as assigned.

Reports To:

Support Services Supervisor

Education/Skill and Other Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Pass a background check.
• Have, or obtain within 12-months, SCCJA Basic Telecommunications Officer Training program (1-week in Columbia, SC) or APCO's Public Safety Telecommunicator Course.
• Obtain/maintain necessary SLED and NCIC certifications necessary to access criminal justice information systems.
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions.
• Ability to multi-task and perform during stressful situations.
• Ability to accurately interpret written policies, follow oral and written instructions, and transfer information.
• Ability to provide clear and concise verbal directions quickly and accurately.
• Ability to present and summarize information in a variety of written formats, using clear and concise language.

Work Conditions:

• Shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Sitting, standing, talking, and staying alert for long periods of time.
• Uses office machinery such as a computers, printers, copy machines.
• Occasionally involves moving items over 10 pounds.
• Frequently will move between different offices/workspaces/buildings.