Communications Officer

Responsibilities

• Operates radio communication equipment and receives and dispatches radio messages on an assigned shift; provides a communications link for personnel in the field or agency headquarters, other law enforcement officials and related emergency services.
• Operates teletype and computer system to obtain information through the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS), National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS) or National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Interprets and relays information to field personnel concerning wanted persons, violations of laws and other criminal activities.
• Researches criminal history information as required, including International Police Organization (INTERPOL) data available through the various systems.
• Makes immediate decisions on a wide variety of information received through various sources and disseminates to field personnel, agency officials and other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains written records and logs of shift activities.
• Composes and releases messages concerning accidents, emergencies, hazardous materials, incidents, weather conditions and similar situations to field offices, news media and other law enforcement, civil defense and emergency services.
• Plans, organizes and directs communication center operations and programs; assists in the development of agency rules, regulations, and policies concerning the use of communications equipment, staff, and systems.
• Coordinates operational and administrative matters with other divisions and agencies, including Highway Patrol troop commanders, civil defense officials, the Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement officials.
• Conducts on-site inspections of communications centers to evaluate operations and personnel and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Education Development equivalency certificate.
• Citizen of the United States of America, of good moral character.
• At least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Ability to type accurately from plain copy at the rate of twenty-five words per minute.
• Knowledge of Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations concerning radio communications.
• Knowledge of OLETS, NLETS, and NCIC operating manuals.
• Knowledge of State and federal laws concerning use of criminal records.
• Knowledge of agency communications policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Benefits

• State employees with DPS enjoy a minimum of 15 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 11 paid holidays each year and a comprehensive Benefit Package including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.