Dispatch Center Manager presso City of Lewiston, ID

About the Department

Works under the general direction of the Chief of Police. Assists the Police Chief in planning, budgeting, and directing the long-term programs and daily activities of the Communications Center and Records Unit. The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform administrative duties in direct assistance to the Police Chief.  The administrative nature of the work requires considerable judgment in the development of Department rules and regulations, policy and procedures, interpretation of rules and regulations as well as in the application of laws and ordinances. The Communications Manager performs a wide range of administrative duties that include but are not limited to: budget preparation and justification, public presentations, scheduling personnel and doing long- and short-term planning. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Police Chief, but considerable latitude is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The position also requires the Manager to maintain strong relationships with all law enforcement and fire department agencies. The principal duties of this class are performed in a telecommunications office environment.

Position Duties

Plans, schedules, assigns, directs, coordinates, evaluates, and supervises the activities of the Lewiston police/fire Communications Center and Records Unit. Oversees all management responsibilities for the Communications Center and Records Unit, which includes discipline issues of section employees when applicable.

Monitors the daily operations of the Communications Center and Records Unit and formulates policies and procedures to maintain or improve the section’s efficiency and customer service; oversees the training of, mentors/guides, and evaluates the Communications Section and Records Unit; Completes and reviews performance appraisals for Communications Section personnel; Reviews and provides guidance on administrative investigations.
Is assigned to the E911 management team that oversees the County E911 Coordinator; Coordinates with the County E911 coordinator, City IT, and County IT regarding repair and usability of the public safety communication systems; Ensures the maintenance of technical systems, hardware, and software utilized within the Communications Center and Records Unit; Analyzes and recommends the purchase of new equipment as needed.

Understands and effectively applies mandated Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations as well as state and local laws governing the operations of the system to include CJIS Security Policies.

Prepares the communications budget and other financial actions, including the preparation, monitoring, and control of expenditures according to the City’s purchasing guidelines, as well as City of Lewiston/County E911 funds; The ability to write and administer grants in regards to the Communications Center and Records Unit.

Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews periodicals and audio visual materials to become and remain updated on new and current principles and practices regarding police/fire communications centers and records units; Attends meetings and represents the Police Department, when necessary.

Analyzes information, statistics, and reports on departmental activities to determine police/fire service needs, availability of resources, scheduling of personnel and if existing programs meet the needs of the public; Communicates with the Chief, Police Department employees and citizens in answering inquiries and complaints, giving directions, and explaining actions of the Department and its policies and procedures; Keeps Watch Supervisors and other designated staff fully and accurately informed concerning Communications Center and Records Unit activities.

Performs daily activities of public relations through speaking with citizens, responding to their needs if possible, and explaining through actions and words the goals and purposes of the City Police Department; On-call after regular duty hours to respond to emergency situations; Performs duties of subordinate personnel, including call-taking, dispatching, and records functions, as needed; Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City and Department policies, procedures, and safety practices.

Performs special duties and administers projects as assigned by the Chief of Police.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years experience as a Communications Specialist; with 3 years as a Communications Watch Supervisor; Valid Drivers License; Desirable qualifications (but not required) include a Bachelors Degree and/or experience as a Communications Manager.  APCO and NENA certifications. EMD certified.

Knowledge of:
The theories, principles, and practices of leadership, budgeting, supervision, and training involved in the operations of a communications center and records unit.
Police Department organization, mission, objectives, policies, procedures, and operations.
Contemporary management techniques for planning, organizing, leading, and inspecting the overall operations of running a communications center and records unit.
Contemporary legal issues such as criminal laws, labor laws, and civil laws that affect operations of a multi-agency communications center and records unit.
Facilities, equipment, and personnel needed to operate a police/fire communications center and records unit.
Understanding of logistics and operations of running an incident command facility with regard to a communications center.
Municipal budget preparation and planning methods and techniques;
 
Ability to:
Oversee the plan, organize, staff, and direct the range of activities commonly found in a progressive Communications Center and Records Unit.
Directly supervise special functions as assigned by the Police Chief.
Organize and direct personnel in highly stressful emergency situations.
Analyze complex management problems and apply effective solutions.
Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective solutions.
Supervise and lead subordinates through instruction in the performance of their duties.
Write policies and procedures in accordance with the Idaho Police Chiefs Accreditation and IDPA Rules.
Understand and apply departmental, state, and local law enforcement procedures, policies, rules, and regulations.
Analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential dangers, and to determine proper course of action.
Establish and maintain effective relations with fellow employees and with citizens with varied racial, religious, ethnic, or economic backgrounds.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Operate a motor vehicle.
Operate standard office equipment and a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties.
Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times.
Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner.
Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures.
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Perform time management and scheduling functions, meet deadlines, and set project priorities.
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously, including handling interruptions, and return to and complete tasks in a timely manner.
Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

Other Qualifications

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions. Leads and oversees a major City communications center and records unit, communicates effectively, and performs telephone and radio communications.

Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, observe department processes and procedures, prepare and review a wide variety of written and financial materials.

Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, stamina, strength, agility, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to bend, stoop, sit, or stand for long periods of time, and perform all duties required.