Serves as the initial contact in the Washington State Patrol Communications Centers, handling 911 calls from the public and supporting operational and record needs associated to the work performed by Communications Officer 1s. Answers multiple line phones receiving emergency and non-emergency information regarding various emergencies experienced by motorists on the freeways and state routes in Washington State; including but not limited to accidents, altercations, shootings, domestic violence incidents, disabled or abandoned vehicles, road hazards, complaints, general information and departmental business. Questions callers to obtain information such as location, vehicle description, witnesses, driver description, presence of weapons, injuries, and other pertinent data to ensure a timely response and provide adequate information for any officer safety needs or concerns. Prioritizes emergency and non-emergency information and inputs data into a Computer Aided Dispatch system for communications dispatchers or transfers information to the dispatcher or appropriate city or county communications center.

The Communications Officer Assistant positions differ from the Communications Officer 1 positions in that they do not perform radio dispatch functions to transmit, receive, or relay information concerning public safety and law enforcement activities to or from the State Patrol units or other state, county and federal law enforcement agencies over the radio. These positions serve as the initial contact for all emergency and non-emergency 911 calls, administrative calls internal to WSP as well as external stakeholders, and calls from the public requesting general information.

Provides support to the Communications Officers (dispatchers) by relieving them of the initial phone contact for emergency and non-emergency services;

Requests over the phone proper fire and aid responders for injury accidents, medical responses, and vehicle fires, using referenced mapping material; logs the information into the correct zone for prompt action;

Uses a computerized rotation schedule to send tow trucks for vehicle impounds, collisions, and disabled vehicles;

Responds to public inquiries on a variety of subjects, including, but not limited to, locating impounded vehicles, contacting the appropriate WSP Trooper related to their need, traveler’s information, equipment restrictions, court information, owning and operating a motor vehicle, and obtaining public records through the State Patrol;

Utilizes a number of complex systems (CAD, DOL, WACIC, NCIC, WASIS, ACCESS, etc.) to research information regarding collisions, incidents, case numbers, etc. Refers questions not directly related to these areas to the appropriate agency, office, or individual;

Provides drivers checks, vehicle registrations, wanted person, stolen vehicle, and criminal history information on individuals, vehicles, firearms, and articles (electronic equipment, computer equipment, etc.) to officers through local, regional, state, and national databases using the ACCESS computer system;

Interprets and distributes messages received from law enforcement agencies via ACCESS to ensure timely notifications to field personnel on office safety issues;

Retrieves and distributes timecards and incident reports from CAD for field supervisors;

Receives and transfers telephone calls within the office and takes and relays messages when appropriate;

Reviews manual, publications, and bulletin board for information; coordinates current events with personnel arriving on shift;

Performs other work as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

Must pass a CritiCall Skills Assessment

Note: Minimum typing skill level is 40 words per minute.

Equivalent education/experience.