People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Public Safety Communications Manager

  • Title: Public Safety Communications Manager
  • Class: Management
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Grade: I

Nature and Scope of Work

Under the direction of the Director of Public Safety (Chief of Public Safety), performs duties which promote the safety and well-being of the college community. Coordinates the operations of the department’s communication center and records unit. Primary accountabilities include developing and implementing standard communications and records operating procedures; planning, training, directing and reviewing the work of the Public Safety Communications Officers; planning and implementing communications coordination with outside agency emergency services; coordinating use of law enforcement computer systems; and providing overall department administrative assistance. Employs excellent communication skills to communicate with a variety of college staff, students, the public and external agency representatives. Work situations require good judgment, consideration and interpretation of circumstances or information to choose the most effective response. Incumbent is expected to work with minimum guidance or direction.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Develops and implements procedures and practices which guide the daily operation of the Public Safety Communications Center; and which ensure the effective and efficient delivery of public safety communications services to the college Develops and implements operating procedures which maximize effective dispatch and coordination of the Department of Public Safety and local emergency responders.
  2. Plans and coordinates the daily work of Communications Officers. Maintains and implements work schedules. Resolves communication center problems as they arise or determines to whom a problem should be referred. Communicates information from other offices within the department and ensures policies and procedures are adhered Writes officer performance evaluations for review and approval by the Chief of Public Safety.
  3. Supervises employees including prioritizing and developing work plans; evaluating staff performance; monitoring progress on reports and projects; establishing, interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures; providing verbal counseling or reprimands; issuing disciplinary action such as written reprimands; suspensions and terminations; participates in making hiring and promotion decisions of direct report staff.
  4. Assesses training needs of Communications Officers and facilitates on-going in- service training to ensure maximum effectiveness of communications personnel. Coordinates required training and certification of Communications Officers. Assesses new communication techniques and provides training regarding Develops and implements a training and evaluation program for new Communications Officers.
  5. Serves as the department’s representative responsible for the use of confidential law enforcement communications systems and motor vehicle information systems.
  6. Researches, plans, and makes recommendations for the acquisition of all communications equipment (e.g., radio systems, operating frequencies, repeaters and amplifiers, multi-channel recording devices, etc.). Coordinates purchase, installation and maintenance of communications equipment in collaboration with Information Technology and Public Safety command staff.
  7. Develops and implements procedures and practices which guide the daily operation of the department’s record unit. Coordinates the recordkeeping responsibilities under the Campus Crime Act-Student Right to Know of 1990.
  8. Coordinates departmental efforts to track sex offenders under the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000. Responsible for the sex offender reporting and registration; and ensuring compliance.
  9. Assists with the expedited reporting of Worker’s Compensation, Risk Management and other high priority reports.
  10. Assists the Chief of Public Safety in the planning and preparation of the budget for the Accesses all financial files using appropriate computer applications. Makes recommendations based on current and perceived expenditures. Inputs budget changes into financial management system as needed/directed.
  11. In concert with the department administrative assistant, researches and processes all invoices for the department. Writes and authorizes purchase requisitions for payment of invoices within established parameters. Annually reviews blanket purchase orders for the next fiscal year.
  12. Creates and maintain data Develops and implements procedures and practices for the use of the CAD (computer aided dispatch) system.
  13. Supports investigative activities of patrol staff as directed.
  14. Participates in selection and recruitment processes of department employees as directed.
  15. Participates or leads work groups, committees, task forces, and special teams as directed.
  16. Assists with department new employee on-boarding processes and maintains department employee related documentation including new hire forms, job authorization forms and time reports.
  17. Performs all duties assigned to Public Safety Communications Officers as required; operates communications equipment; dispatches personnel to a wide variety of calls.
  18. Maintains current knowledge of public safety methods and practices, communications, policies and procedures, and emergency dispatch operations.
  19. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

While primary duty hours are day shift, however, must be able to work hours as negotiated with the Chief of Public Safety. Position requires that incumbents do not possess significant speech or hearing impairments. Must have the ability to lift a maximum of 40 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree or equivalent level of college course work is required in criminal justice or related area. Experience performing the duties of the job may substitute for the degree or college course work on a year-for-year basis. Three years of experience in public safety communications or related field are required.

Must have completed, or be able to complete within one year of employment, a certified dispatcher’s course administered by the DPSST, Associated Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO), or other accredited institution. Must be able to meet minimum training and certification standards established by the department and the DPSST, and complete the department’s communications training program within one year of appointment.

Must be able to pass both a personal and criminal history background investigation. Must not have been convicted of a felony crime or any crime for which a maximum term of imprisonment of more than one year may be imposed. Must not have been convicted of any law violations involving the unlawful use, possession, delivery, or manufacture of a controlled substance, narcotic, or dangerous drug.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Methods and procedures of various operating and communications systems;
  • Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
Skills in:
  • Recordkeeping;
  • Organization;
  • Operating two-way radio systems;
  • Basic computer and keyboarding;
  • Data entry; basic mathematical skills;
  • Interpreting and applying state and federal laws and regulations.
Ability to:
  • Communicate verbally and written in a clear and effective manner;
  • Effectively lead others;
  • Handle multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail;
  • Remain calm and objective;
  • Identifies opportunities and promotes best practices and role models exceptional professional standards and conduct;
  • Independently analyze situations and quickly identity appropriate action;
  • Provide effective customer service;
  • Work in a high stress environment while making critical decisions;
  • Work effectively with an ethnically and culturally diverse staff and student.

 

 

New: 6/2024 *replaces the Public Safety Communications/Records Coordinator.