Communications Operators
Communications Operators play a critical role in supporting Kingston Police front line operations maintaining public and officer safety. They are the first point of contact for the public and perform call-taking and dispatching for both emergency and non-emergency calls. Communicators work in a fast-paced, high stress environment, where the ability to multi-task, be accurate and enter data with speed and accuracy is critical in life threatening emergencies.
The Kingston Police Communications center operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to answer 911 and non-emergency calls for service.
Shift Schedule:
Communications Operators are typically hired part-time, with potential to increase to full-time as vacancies arise.
Part-time Communications Operators may work 5-hour lunch relief shifts or full 12-hour shifts. The five-hour lunch relief shifts are 1100h to 1600h and 2300h to 0400h.
Twelve-hour shifts are either 0700h to 1900h or 1900h to 0700h.
Shifts are scheduled days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays given that the communications center is a 24 hour a day, 7 day per week operation.
Responsibilities
- receive emergency 911 calls or texts for Fire, Police, or Ambulance and facilitate immediate contact with the appropriate Fire, Police, or Ambulance service.
- maintain contact with the caller until the other agency has taken over the call.
- screen calls by prioritizing and redirecting enquiries from the public to the proper entities.
- terminate non-emergency calls and discourage public misuse of the system.
- arrange for and assist with the deployment of non-police resources
- generate police calls for service by making entries on the CAD system and record information reported by or given to road units by means of the CAD system, continually updating individual unit histories
- dispatch units to calls for service, keep updated on all information entered on the call, and keep engaged units advised of all pertinent incoming information (via CAD system and radio)
- ensure officer safety at all times by means of accurate status reports and welfare checks, particularly in potentially dangerous situations
- provide backup unit(s) in potentially dangerous situations
- monitor radio traffic and control proper use by others
- monitor lunch hours, scheduled court appearances, appointments, or special duties of officers to ensure efficient deployment of units
- ensure that the supervisor is kept apprised of emergency calls, dangerous situations, and unusual events
- ensure adherence to proper MDT and radio etiquette
- perform CPIC and in-house checks for units and anticipate requests
- ensure complainants are kept advised of any anticipated delays in response and redirect calls as appropriate
- train and/or assist in training new Communications personnel
- prepare documentation, memos, and reports and attend court when required.
Requirements
- be at least 18 years of age
- minimum Grade 12 education
- pass Communications Operator CritiCall Testing
- pass Psychological Testing and interview with a Psychologist
- be prepared to work irregular and flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays
- be available for call outs when required
- be able to handle high stress calls
- be able to work in a fast-paced interactive team setting
Salary and Benefits
The hourly wage for communications operators ranges from $33.53 to $43.47.
Pay increases are based on the step progressions defined in the Kingston City Police Association Civilian Collective Agreement.
Health And Dental Plans
Available to all full-time employees and their eligible family members, Kingston Police offers a comprehensive benefits plan which includes extended health and dental, drug, medical, vision and life insurance that is 100% employer paid. As well, employees receive an accompanying Health Care Spending Account to help cover the cost of eligible medical and dental expenses.
Employee Assistance Program
All employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program through Homewood Health.
Health and Wellness Service
An on site Registered Occupational Therapist is available to provide wellness check-ins and support for all employees.