Job Details

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Communications Officer provides essential telecommunications support to the Slidell Police Department 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position serves as the first point of contact during emergencies and provides a critical communication link between the public and law enforcement personnel, ensuring the safety of both officers and the community.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Communications Sergeant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• 1. Receive and manage 911 calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
• 2. Communicate clearly, calmly, professionally and respectfully with callers of diverse backgrounds.
• 3. Accurately determine the nature and location of incidents and prioritize responses based on urgency and other ongoing calls.
• 4. Assess whether a call requires police response and determine the number of units needed.
• 5. Operate and monitor a communications console with multiple radio frequencies, 911 phone lines and displays, paging systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems.
• 6. Read, interpret, and relay directions using street maps to assist officers and the public.
• 7. Identify and relay relevant background sounds or information from incoming calls to responding officers.
• 8. Document incident details using CAD or handwritten logs for accurate recordkeeping.
• 9. Communicate clearly over police radio to dispatch officers and provide updates.
• 10. Broadcast messages such as BOLOs ("Be on the Lookout"), APBs ("All Points Bulletin"), and officer instructions and notify other agencies as needed.
• 11. Track the real-time status and location of all officers and units.
• 12. Redirect non-emergency calls to appropriate departments or agencies.
• 13. Maintain daily activity logs and operational schedules.
• 14. Ensure confidentiality of all sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and department regulations.
• 15. Be available for duty during emergencies, including civil disturbances, disasters, or other critical events.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs any other job-related duties, as required/assigned.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• 1. Must possess a High School graduation diploma or GED (General Education Diploma) equivalent.
• 2. Successful completion of the typing test (as tested by the City of Slidell Human Resources Department).
• 3. Successful completion of the CritiCall test (for public safety dispatchers) administered by the City of Slidell Human Resources Department.
• 4. Equivalent combination of related higher education, corresponding training, certifications or experience with other law enforcement agencies or emergency call centers, that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities and demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the job may be evaluated and determined to meet Required Minimum Qualifications at the sole discretion of the Slidell Chief of Police.

General Requirements

• 1. Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of employment.
• 2. Must possess a valid state driver's license without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• 3. Must be a United States citizen.
• 4. Must be proficient in reading and writing the English language.
• 5. Must not have any felony convictions or disqualifying criminal history.
• 6. Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits.

Special Requirements

A newly hired employee must complete a twelve (12) months probationary period.

The officer's supervisor will conduct quarterly performance evaluations during the probation period and at the completion of the 12-months' probation period. The Communications Officer must meet or exceed the satisfactory level on his/her evaluation(s) and must maintain a "Meets Acceptable Level" for ongoing annual performance evaluations or may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.

MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 1. Able to perform duties accurately and effectively under pressure, distractions and interruptions, including during emergencies, exercising sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• 2. Has effective knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation to clearly and accurately write and complete reports, statements, and various types of logs / forms used by the Department.
• 3. Proficient in active listening and has sufficient verbal and written comprehension skills.
• 4. Consistent professional and courteous communication skills with ability to appropriately handle interactions in various situations with the general public, other first responder agencies, and all department personnel.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Multiple radio frequency communications / dispatch console, 911 telecommunication lines and displays, paging systems, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems, telecommunication headset, computer systems including general office and proprietary software and police communication radio. Items noted are not intended as an all-inclusive list of tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the Essential Duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties, if accommodations can be made without causing the department an "undue hardship". An individual must meet the Slidell Police Department's standards for initial hire and for continued employment, as assessed on an annual or as needed basis.

• 1. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time, speak clearly, and must have the ability to distinctly hear and understand callers either without or with a hearing assistive device.
• 2. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, and use hands to fingers for typing, handling equipment, operating controls and other Essential Duties.
• 3. Employee may occasionally be required to push, pull, stoop or kneel while accessing files or materials and be able to lift, move and carry up to 25 pounds.
• 4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision and the visual acuity sufficient to read maps and computer screens with the capability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the Essential Duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties, if accommodations can be made without causing the department an "undue hardship".

• 1. The Slidell Police Department Communication Center is a secure, enclosed, indoor, climate-controlled office space.
• 2. Access to the Communications Center is limited to authorized personnel only.
• 3. The noise level ranges from light to moderate depending on call volume and activity.