Police Dispatcher
Dallas, TX, US
Primary Purpose
Receives, records and dispatches service calls and requests to ensure that security and public safety needs at Parkland facilities are handled in a timely manner.
Minimum Specifications
Education
High school graduate or GED.
Experience
Prefer previous law enforcement experience.
Equivalent Education and/or Experience
None
Certification/Registration/Licensure
Must obtain within one year from date of hire or placement in role Basic Telecommunications Certification from the State of Texas.
Required Tests for Placement
None
Skills or Special Abilities
Must pass extensive background investigation.
Must pass a pre-employment polygraph.
Must be able to demonstrate multi-tasking abilities.
Must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of personal computers.
Must have effective written and oral communication skills.
Must be able to make sound judgments.
Must remain calm and effectively respond during stressful and/or high pressure emergency situations.
Must deal with the public and fellow employees in a tactful and diplomatic manner.
Must be able to work flexible and rotating shifts to include nights and weekends and holidays.
Must be able to perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
Responsibilities
1. Receive, record, and process requests for service or assistance and radio dispatch officers to provide appropriate police response.
2. Operate National and State Criminal Information Network Systems. Maintain the confidentiality of all data entered or removed from the system including system activities.
3. Provide supervisors with information concerning access authorizations into hospital units, offices, and restricted parking areas to prevent unauthorized access by unauthorized persons.
4. Monitor Parkland Fire Alarm System. Dispatch appropriate responses ensuring safety and security of patients, visitors, employees and Parkland facilities.
5. Monitor Closed Circuit Television Systems observing internal and external locations of Parkland facilities ensuring the safety and security of all persons and facilities.
6. Stay abreast of the latest developments, advancements and techniques used in police communication operations.
7. Maintain a working knowledge of current laws, policies, procedures, and regulations that impact or govern law enforcement and public safety.
8. Monitor and report Communications Center equipment malfunctions, inform supervision of problems and initiate repair requests to ensure equipment remains operational.
9. Accurately record and/or distribute police department confidential information requests to appropriate supervisory staff and administrative officials of the department as requested.
Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status. As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.
Nearest Major Market:DallasNearest Secondary Market:Fort WorthJob Segment:Healthcare Administration, Patient Care, Healthcare
Freqently Asked Questions
Police dispatchers in Dallas must stay composed under pressure, using clear communication and multitasking skills to coordinate timely responses. Training emphasizes calm decision-making, ensuring they handle high-stress calls while maintaining public safety and operational efficiency.
Yes, candidates need to obtain a basic telecommunications certification from the state of Texas within one year of employment. This credential ensures dispatchers are equipped with essential communication knowledge pertinent to healthcare and law enforcement environments.
Dispatchers frequently use national and state criminal information network systems and monitor surveillance feeds via closed-circuit television. Proficiency in personal computers and specialized dispatch software is crucial to efficiently manage emergency communications and security data.
Parkland Careers attracts many applicants due to its healthcare focus and community role. Candidates often face rigorous background checks and polygraph tests, making the selection highly competitive compared to general police department dispatch roles in Dallas.
At Parkland, dispatchers coordinate emergency responses within hospital settings, monitor fire alarms, and manage access to restricted medical units. This blends traditional police dispatching with healthcare facility security, requiring specialized knowledge and diplomacy.
Given Dallas's urban sprawl, dispatchers might experience varied commute durations. The role demands flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, which can affect daily routines but also offers opportunities for shift swaps and varied scheduling.
Police dispatchers in Dallas typically earn between $40,000 and $52,000 annually, with healthcare facility positions like Parkland potentially offering competitive benefits and shift differentials that enhance overall compensation packages.
While prior law enforcement experience is preferred, it's not mandatory. Candidates must demonstrate relevant skills such as multitasking, communication, and passing thorough background screenings to qualify for the dispatcher role.
Parkland's dispatchers handle not only public safety calls but also hospital-specific security concerns, including fire alarm monitoring and access control. This dual focus necessitates familiarity with healthcare protocols alongside traditional dispatching duties.
Yes, working at Parkland offers exposure to both law enforcement and healthcare communication systems, providing a strong foundation for advancement into supervisory or specialized emergency response roles within diverse public safety sectors.
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