Communications Operator
Location: Washington, DC
Job Number: JR19658
Job Overview
The Communications Specialist works in the Police Department 24/7 public safety answering point (PSAP) and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations in accordance with existing university, state and federal guidelines. Duties include answering emergency telephone lines, dispatching police officers, monitoring the university fire alarm system, monitoring the university closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, and providing information and customer service to the university community via both telephone and a walk-up window. The Communications Specialist reports to the Police Communications Supervisor. This person works independently with general supervision. The incumbent works with other patrol officers, security officers, and student guards.
Work Interactions
Police Communications Officers (PCO) and Police Communications Specialists (PCS) (both Communications Dispatchers) who are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching these calls, initiating EMS responses, monitoring alarm systems, and working the customer service desk, staff the Georgetown University Police Communications Center. Incumbent for this positions answers calls from the public regarding all types of emergencies, ranging from crimes being committed to various kinds of university community needs. Dispatchers work shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays. They may work alone or be partnered with another Communications Officer or Specialist with little supervision. When dealing with callers, Communications Specialists must remain calm and collected while displaying good communications skills. They also need to prioritize calls, depending on the level of emergency. Communications Specialists are CPR, NCIC, APCO, and Public Safety Telecommunicator certified through APCO, and Incident Command certified through FEMA, at a minimum.
