Address
Form of work
SalaryPosition Information
Position Number
01072W
Position Title
Communications Officer I/II
Employment Category
Full Time Operational
Location
William & Mary
Department
940000 Campus Police
Unit Mission Statement
The primary purpose of the William & Mary Police Department is to support the greater university community in their core pursuits of teaching, research, and public service.
“It is imperative that we provide police, public safety, emergency communications, and emergency management services in a manner that not only keeps people safe, but also ensures that people feel safe in their environment.
It is our job to enhance the W&M student experience; facilitate faculty and staff efforts; and to partner with all W&M community members to solve problems, prevent crime, foster personal safety, protect property, maintain order for the normal operations of the university, and effectively address criminal activity. “
“It is imperative that we provide police, public safety, emergency communications, and emergency management services in a manner that not only keeps people safe, but also ensures that people feel safe in their environment.
It is our job to enhance the W&M student experience; facilitate faculty and staff efforts; and to partner with all W&M community members to solve problems, prevent crime, foster personal safety, protect property, maintain order for the normal operations of the university, and effectively address criminal activity. “
Position Summary
Communications Officers are civilian employees that perform critical functions in association with the police and security components of the Department. The Communications Officer is the first point of contact when someone calls 911 or the WMPD emergency phone line to report an emergency or an immediate need for police, fire or ambulance response. It is this officer that has to solicit and receive the accurate and appropriate information to ensure that there is a timely and proper response to meet the need.
In this regard, the Communications Officer has to have the knowledge and skills to interact with persons in crisis, de-escalate emotional persons, multi-task soliciting information while also disseminating information to responding units, operate the necessary data bases and equipment in the process, manage the Computer Aided Dispatch requirements for each call, actively liaison with other public safety agencies, monitor all police activity in real-time, and constantly reprioritize calls for service. The Communications Officer is frequently referred to as the heartbeat of any police department. They have primary control over all police radio communications. They have to “run” all driver’s license, warrant and criminal background checks needed by police officers in the field. Police officers depend on Communications Officers to act in the best interest of their police officer safety.
A minimum of one Communications Officer is required on-shift 24/7. In addition to these traditional Communications Officer (CO’s) responsibilities, WMPD CO’s have to monitor special events and facilitate all police activity associated with the traffic control, safety and security of the event. They also monitor other police agency radio traffic for any activity that could impact the W&M campus, manage all surveillance cameras and receive all duress, intrusion and fire alarms. WMPD also allows “walk-ins” into the front desk of the Department to provide a crime report or request for assistance. The CO is the in-person first point of contact for any member of the community seeking this type of walk-in service. CO’s have to be able to interact in-person with these persons no matter what the situation. They have to be able to listen, request proper police response from patrol to the police station, and handle the situation until the response arrives. This can be anything from a person reporting stolen property to a person reporting a sexual assault.
In this regard, the Communications Officer has to have the knowledge and skills to interact with persons in crisis, de-escalate emotional persons, multi-task soliciting information while also disseminating information to responding units, operate the necessary data bases and equipment in the process, manage the Computer Aided Dispatch requirements for each call, actively liaison with other public safety agencies, monitor all police activity in real-time, and constantly reprioritize calls for service. The Communications Officer is frequently referred to as the heartbeat of any police department. They have primary control over all police radio communications. They have to “run” all driver’s license, warrant and criminal background checks needed by police officers in the field. Police officers depend on Communications Officers to act in the best interest of their police officer safety.
A minimum of one Communications Officer is required on-shift 24/7. In addition to these traditional Communications Officer (CO’s) responsibilities, WMPD CO’s have to monitor special events and facilitate all police activity associated with the traffic control, safety and security of the event. They also monitor other police agency radio traffic for any activity that could impact the W&M campus, manage all surveillance cameras and receive all duress, intrusion and fire alarms. WMPD also allows “walk-ins” into the front desk of the Department to provide a crime report or request for assistance. The CO is the in-person first point of contact for any member of the community seeking this type of walk-in service. CO’s have to be able to interact in-person with these persons no matter what the situation. They have to be able to listen, request proper police response from patrol to the police station, and handle the situation until the response arrives. This can be anything from a person reporting stolen property to a person reporting a sexual assault.
Conditions of Employment
- Required hours of work for this position include nights, weekends, holidays and is subject to shift rotation.
- Employees of the Communication Center are subject to overtime.
- Must successfully complete State mandated Dispatch and VCIN re-certification training every 2 years.
- This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
Essential Designation
Yes
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Restricted?
No, this is a continuing E&G funded position
Position Term
12 month - Continuing
Required Qualifications
- High School Graduate or equivalent.
- Current DCJS Dispatcher Certification or the ability to successfully complete State mandated VA Criminal Justice Services Dispatch Training.
- Previous experience working with the public.
Level II: Completion of FTO and 6 month probation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as a police dispatcher.
- Current Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Dispatcher Certification.
Is the position remote work eligible?
Not eligible
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range
$45,000
Advertised Pay Range Statement
All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
University Salary Range
U05
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Job Open Date
02/12/2024
Review Begin Date
Job Close Date
03/01/2024
Open Until Filled
No
Special Application Instructions
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
