Communications Specialist-1

Police Communications Officer / Specialist

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation's capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Job Overview

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 position 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. The job requires significant knowledge, skill and abilities in responding to citizens' needs and the dispatching of police officers in calls for service. The work can be fast paced, time critical, stressful and demanding, and requires good communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and resource management skills. 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.

Work Interactions

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. This position 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.

Requirements and Qualifications

High School Diploma (or equivalent) required. College Degree preferred, but not required.

At least 3 years of general work experience required.

1 to 3 years of related experience as a dispatcher is preferred.

An equivalent combination of training, education and / or experience may be considered in lieu of above requirements.

Demonstrated ability to multi-task and remain calm while performing complex operations under stress.

Must be able to obtain WALES clearance with the completion of a background check.

Technical Qualifications of Specialized Certification

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must qualify for a Security Officer License in the District of Columbia
• No felony convictions or convictions of misdemeanors involving crimes of moral turpitude or gross misconduct
• Must not currently be wanted for any crime
• Must not have been found guilty by reason of mental illness for any crime
• Must be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the U.S. for the past 10 consecutive years
• Must be able to pass an extensive background investigation
• Must become certified and maintain a NCIC / WALES certification
• Work with minimal supervision
• Assist the public in a professional manner
• Have the ability to multitask and prioritize in a very busy police communications center
• Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and radio
• Ability to handle stress under emergency situations
• Ability to type at least 35 words per minute
• Experience operating computers using MS Windows

Preferred Requirements