Employment Opportunities
Communications Officers
We are pleased that you are visiting the employment page and believe that
many of your questions concerning employment opportunities can be answered here.
You will find that our employees are very proud of their service with the
Department, and we encourage you to take a close look at us if you are
considering a career in law enforcement, or in one of our many civilian staff
positions.
The City of Jackson is located near the Mississippi River
between St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN and is the county seat for Cape Girardeau
County.It has a population of about 14,000 and is governed by a Board of
Alderman-Manager form of government. The friendliness and charm of small-town
living can be found in our community, With excellent schools, a healthy
business environment, attractive neighborhoods and parks, our town is a great
place to live and work.
The Jackson Police Communication Center is
staffed by seven 911 dispatchers who receive 911 calls for police, fire and ems,
non-emergency calls, TTY calls (hearing impaired), intrusion/hold-up alarm
calls, and monitor several radio frequencies. After receiving a call the
dispatcher will determine the appropriate level of response and dispatch the
personnel to the call.
This position is responsible for answering
department telephones including emergency 911 telephone calls, determining the
nature of the caller’s business and dispatching police and fire, or referring
the call to the appropriate resource; prioritizing and routing emergency calls
to fire and police. There is often a high volume of calls, many of which involve
accidents or crimes in progress. The police dispatcher must be able to make fast
responses and correct decisions, take charge of conversations, obtain accurate
information from callers, enter information into a computer while talking, and
make quick decisions. The Dispatcher will operate radio dispatching equipment,
various computer systems, and associated recording equipment. Police
dispatcher/call receivers also compile information and write and generate
accurate CAD reports.
The department strongly subscribes and operates under the tenants of community oriented policing and service. The Communications Center operates 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Communication
Officers must demonstrate experience in thinking clearly and acting quickly and
making correct decisions, taking charge of conversations, obtaining accurate
information from callers, entering information into a computer while talking and
making sound and quick decisions. Inherent to success in this position is
excellent organizational skills to include multitasking while coping with
numerous interruptions and remaining calm and professional in emergency
situations.
Jackson Police are seeking qualified men and women for the position of communications officer. Women, minorities, and persons with foreign language ability are particularly encouraged to apply. Jackson Police is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Potential applicants who are seeing additional information may contact our Recruiting Officer, Capt Scott Eakers at 573-243-3151 or email at seakers@jacksonpd.org
Requirements for Communications Officer
On the date of employment, applicants must be 18 years of age, United States
Citizen, possess a valid driver’s license; possess a high school diploma or GED
equivalent; not have any felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; or
convictions involving moral turpitude; be able to multi-task in different
communications situations; must have a positive attitude along with good
communications skills; good computer and report writing skills; and must be
committed to the philosophy of community oriented policing.
Selected applicants will be required to undergo a written examination, oral
board and a comprehensive background investigation and other testing that may be
required.
Prior to employment, applicants must complete a medical examination and a
pre-employment drug screen.
Additional requirements include
- Must be willing to work any shift or work-week, including overtime and
holidays, as assigned. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal
communications skills to include demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely
speak English and understand English
- Demonstrated ability to accurately hear and simultaneously document verbal
information
- Strong customer service skills
- Proven ability to exhibit patience and remain calm and professional while
questioning callers, callers who may be verbally abusive, emotionally upset,
uncooperative or frightened
- Ability to take direction, work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in a confined area, primarily seated in an office setting
for extended periods of time with no outside visibility.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior law enforcement experience
Benefits
The City of Jackson offers
a competitive starting salary and excellent benefits package which includes
family insurance coverage. The city offers employee retirement and the ability
to participate in a deferred compensation plan. The department provides uniforms
and equipment. We also offers a tuition reimbursement program that applies to
courses at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school for
courses related to the employee's current position
How To Apply
To apply for employment,
interested candidates must submit the City of Jackson Job Application along with
a resume and copies of all related training either in person or mailing to:
Jackson Police Department, 525 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO 63755. The City of
Jackson Job Application can be obtained either at Jackson City Hall, Jackson
Police Department or on the main page to our website, in the 'Forms and Ordinances' section. The City of Jackson is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.