Tell City Police Department Employment Opportunities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Dispatcher / Communications 
Tell City Police Department – Perry County, Indiana

The Public Safety Dispatcher serves as the primary communications link between the public, law enforcement officers, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies throughout Perry County. Essential duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public.
2. Obtain, evaluate, and accurately document information from callers to determine the nature and urgency of incidents.
3. Dispatch law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other public safety resources using established protocols and procedures.
4. Operate and monitor multi-line telephone systems, radio communications equipment, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, and other communication technologies.
5. Maintain continuous radio contact with police officers and other emergency responders, monitoring their status, location, and safety.
6. Enter, update, and retrieve information from local, state, and federal law enforcement databases, including criminal justice information systems.
7. Conduct inquiries regarding warrants, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, protective orders, and criminal histories in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
8. Coordinate communications and resource deployment during emergencies, major incidents, severe weather events, disasters, and special events.
9. Provide emergency medical, law enforcement, and public safety instructions to callers when appropriate and in accordance with approved training and protocols.
10. Monitor security systems, alarms, surveillance equipment, and other public safety technologies as assigned.
11. Maintain accurate records, logs, reports, and documentation related to calls for service, radio traffic, and department activities.
12. Communicate effectively and professionally with citizens, law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, governmental agencies, and the public.
13. Assist neighboring agencies and regional public safety partners by coordinating mutual aid requests and sharing critical information.
14. Process and disseminate time-sensitive information, including BOLOs (Be On the Lookout), officer safety alerts, weather warnings, and emergency notifications.
15. Ensure confidential, sensitive, and criminal justice information is protected and handled in accordance with department policy and applicable laws.
16. Monitor and maintain awareness of officer safety concerns, initiating emergency response procedures when officers require assistance.
17. Assist walk-in visitors, answer public inquiries, and provide information or referrals as appropriate.
18. Test, monitor, and report communication equipment malfunctions and assist with maintaining operational readiness of communications systems.
19. Remain calm and make sound decisions while managing multiple tasks in stressful, high-pressure, and rapidly changing situations.
20. Work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-back assignments as required to ensure continuous public safety communications coverage.
21. Attend and successfully complete required training, certifications, continuing education, and department-mandated professional development.
22. Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating communication equipment and computer systems.
• Ability to hear and comprehend radio and telephone communications in a noisy environment.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively.
• Ability to multitask and process large amounts of information quickly and accurately.
• Ability to remain composed and exercise sound judgment during stressful and traumatic situations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and enter information accurately and efficiently.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of public safety communication principles and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency with computers, data entry, and modern communication systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, emergency responders, and the public.
• Ability to learn and comply with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and department policies governing public safety communications.