Communications Officer I Campus

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police in the Division of Operations and the Campus Network (OCN). VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe secure and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units our department includes commissioned officers security professionals and skilled administrative staffall working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Calls for Service

• Perform a full range of radio telephone and data entry operational duties in a 24-hour facility.
• Receive and record incoming radio and telephone calls for assistance or general information.
• Obtain information from callers and officers (the nature of the call location and the extent of the emergency).
• Dispatch necessary personnel and equipment to the scene and make appropriate notifications within the department and to other Vanderbilt departments per policy.
• Monitor officers activities and determine their availability for assignments; distribute assignments according to established procedure.
  

Support Services

• Monitor and relay information on Vanderbilt Police radio system mutual aid talk-group Metropolitan Nashville Police radio system and Metro Fire/Ambulance radio system.
• Process and prioritize incoming calls for police fire and EMS assistance.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and logs of all radio transmissions telephone calls and other records such as files and information systems using a computer-aided dispatch software system.
• Operate a variety of advanced communications equipment including radio consoles multi-line telephone system fax/printers and specialized computer systems i.e. CAD WeatherData Silent Knight etc.)
• Operate computer inquiry terminal to obtain information on persons vehicle registrations driving records and warrants through related databases to provide pertinent data. (NCIC/TCIC/TIES Metro Traffic and Parking files VU card office and other resources as needed.)
• Maintain a current accurate file of protective orders that are associated with Vanderbilt employees students and patients criminal history inquiry log field interview reports long-distance phone log and campus events information.
• Ensure all communication equipment is functioning properly and communicate problems to the appropriate authority.
• Generate and distribute automated reports (equipment list communications passover campus siren testing and alarm reports etc.).
• Monitor fire and security alarm systems and coordinate and direct appropriate response.
• Make emergency notifications of departmental and campus administration per departmental policy or as directed.
• Monitor and activate the severe weather warning system and campus-wide siren warning system.
• Perform clerical functions as needed.
  

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility and reports directly to the assigned Communications Supervisor (Communications Officer III).

Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED is required.

• Possession of a valid drivers license in the State of Tennessee is required.
  

Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern police administration and police methods is necessary.
• Strong organizational interpersonal intercultural communication and presentation skills is necessary.
  

Physical Requirements

Telecommunications Officers must be able to:

• Handle moderate physical effort in a sitting position for long periods of time.

• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming

• Pass a thorough background investigation

• Pass a drug test; medical examination; vision and hearing test;

• Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required by departmental standards.

• Pass a Psychological Evaluation.

Working Environment

• Required to work nights/weekends/holidays

• The environment is stressful requiring the ability to multitask while being isolated from fellow workers.

• Cannot leave the work area without relief from a supervisor.