GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an administrative support position for the Starkville Police Department. This position performs emergency and non-emergency dispatch for police personnel and operates the communications center through the use of radio, telephone and other communication equipment. This job requires extensive contact with the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Receives non-emergency and emergency calls form the public requesting law enforcement services; determine nature, location and priority of emergency.
• Maintains contact with all police units; maintains status and location of police units and a daily log of all field calls and units dispatched.
• Monitors all communications related to performance of Police functions.
• Conducts national computer checks for registrations, driver’s licenses, wanted persons, firearms and materials; conducts criminal history checks and transmits all information to the requesting officer.
• Receives and forwards non-emergency calls to proper personnel or departments.
• Communicates with walk-ins and provides general information or referrals as needed.
• Prepares files and maintains custody of reports, records and the proper handling of funds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of general municipal agency operations and organizations.
• Knowledge of computers and applicable software for state and national networks.
• Knowledge of records management policies, procedures, and processes.
• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to disseminate information in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work.
• Ability to work on multiple tasks at one time.
• Ability to interact with the public and provide information in a polite and efficient manner both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely on a telephone.
• Ability to listen to others for understanding their needs and situation.
• Must maintain confidentiality on department related items.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Verifies information on reports submitted to Police Records; edits all police reports and makes copies.
• Research records for police personnel or other authorized individuals or agencies; assures that arrest records of offenders are forwarded to appropriate courts on a timely basis.
• May attend Municipal Court; may prepares police documents for Municipal Court; records disposition and types’ disposition on arrest reports and files all documents.
• Maintain security of documents under control of Records Division.
• Classify fingerprints and reviews classifications performed by subordinates; takes fingerprints for city applicants, license applicants, and other private citizens requesting to be fingerprinted for good cause.
• Operates NCIC system, maintains a log of all criminal history request; checks criminal history, driving history, pawn shop tickets, verifies tags; records any stolen property, vehicles, or missing persons in NCIC terminal. Processes, enters, and files private property impoundment and repossession reports.
• Operates computer terminals for input and recall of police related data. Conveys information to police officers/investigators via radio; may process warrants and verifies warrants.
• Answers phone; make copies of reports for officers and general public; releases vehicles; prepares reports or supplementation reports for general public; sends notification letters to citizens concerning vehicle impoundments, may receive and record submitted evidence.
• Bills insurance companies and government agencies for payment of reports; verifies through owner or insurance company to update status of missing persons, vehicles or other articles.
• Provide back up support to assist in maintaining and processing payroll.
• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of police records systems and their relationship to police management operations.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of departmental rules, regulations, procedures, and functions.
• Knowledge of NCIC rules and privacy policies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability.
• Be adaptable to various competing demands and demonstrate the highest level of customer service and response.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain complex and difficult clerical records and to prepare detailed reports. Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.



EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
• High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency and experience in performing varied office support services.
• At least two (2) years of experience as an Administrative Assistant; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.
• Must possess a valid Mississippi Driver’s License and acceptable MVR.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Associate’s Degree with major coursework in Criminal Justice, Business Administration or a related field from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A combination of equivalent education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Environment: Work is performed in an office environment and involves everyday risks or discomforts which requires normal safety precautions.

Physical: Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying items under 50 pounds such as books, papers, and office supplies, and file folders. Work requires the physical ability to sit in confined seating for extended periods of time, and operate a computer keyboard.

The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific job duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.
Regular and consistent attendance is a condition of continuing employment.