COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Overview

The role of a Communications Officer involves crucial responsibilities within emergency response operations. This position entails shift work, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Operating in a 911 communications capacity, Communications Officers use radio systems to connect with Troopers and DPS Officers. All communication traffic is meticulously recorded into the Computer-aided Dispatch Software (CAD). Additionally, Communications Officers handle incoming calls from the public and other law enforcement agencies seeking assistance. This role requires a keen ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment, ensuring efficient coordination and response to emergency situations.

Duties

1. 1. Receive and respond to requests from enforcement officers/agents through telecommunication equipment.
   2. Act as the point of contact with the general public for emergency situations, accidents, complaints, etc.
   3. Receive and respond to informational requests by officers/agents.
   4. Receive, analyze, prioritize, and respond to general public complaints and inquiries; alert the nearest officer/agent, dispatch to the location, and relay the information.
   5. Search, enter, modify, and delete computerized records for vehicle registrations, driver licenses, other licenses, wanted felons, missing persons, unidentified persons or bodies, stolen property, etc. in the appropriate computer database.
   6. Maintain proper record keeping and update CAD events during communications.

Qualifications

• • Must be 18 years of age.
  • Must possess a valid Driver’s license at the time of appointment.
  • Must pass a background check, polygraph, and drug screening.

Necessary Special Requirements:

All persons appointed to this job will be required by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Louisiana State Police Terminal Operator Certifications Program Guidelines to meet the terminal operator certifications/re-certification requirement within six months of employment.

An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or who is under indictment on a felony charge will be disqualified until relieved from the disabilities imposed by state and federal laws is granted.

Additional qualifications for Communications Officers positions vary by job title and include:

• • Communications Officer 1: Requires six months of experience in transmitting messages or clerical work, with substitutions allowed for training or college education. Special requirements include terminal operator certification and disqualification criteria for felony convictions.
  • Communications Officer 2: Demands one year of relevant experience, with similar substitutions and special requirements as Level 1.
  • Communications Officer 3: Mandates two years of experience, with comparable substitutions and special requirements as Levels 1 and 2.

See the Civil Service website for a list of comparable substitutions.

Benefits

• • Competitive biweekly salary.
  • Shift differential pay of $3.20/hr for hours worked outside normal business hours.
  • Daily Uniform allowance of $4.62.
  • Insurance coverage is available. Click here to learn more about the available insurance plans.
  • Up to six weeks of paid parental leave, click here for more details.
  • Accrual of sick and annual leave, increasing with years of service for future use.

Retirement

Retirement Benefits for Louisiana State Employees:

• • Eligibility for participation in various retirement systems based on appointment type and agency.
  • Retirement systems offer allowances and benefits for employees and beneficiaries.
  • Click here to learn more about LASERS (Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System).

If you're interested in becoming a DPS Officer, click here.

If you're interested in becoming a Louisiana State Trooper, click here.