Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

Basic Function

Responsible for the daily operations associated with the METRO Police Department’s dispatch section which is a 24/7 operation with various work shifts. Responsible for deploying METRO Police field personnel and Fire Departments/EMS according to need and priority of the request for service and maintains constant status of field units and updates dispatch information utilizing the CRIMES computer assisted dispatch system. Provides geographic and directional information. Understands policies and procedures of warrant and CJIS/TCIC/NCIC functions. Familiar with general Texas Penal codes, police practices and methods. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Deploys METRO Police field personnel according to need and priority of the request for service and maintains constant status of field units and updates dispatch information utilizing the CRIMES computer assisted dispatch system. Requests Fire Department/EMS support and orders Tow-Trucks as needed.
• Utilizes the Open FOX (DPS Terminal) to input, retrieve and transmit information from TCIC/NCIC, enters, clears, maintains, and validates stolen vehicles or property files related to MPD case investigations.
• Monitors incoming text messages to the METRO Police Department via the TEXTLINE computer application to answer citizens who report suspicious activity and other unexpected incidents across the METRO transit system and provide information assistance to citizens when possible.
• Maintains communication between MPD, bus transportation, rail operations, transit authority, as well as public and other related law enforcement agencies. Monitors all METRO (Park & Ride, Bus Operating Facility, Light Rail Vehicle, and Rail Platform) cameras during shift.
• Provides immediate emergency notifications concerning major incidents and fleet accidents as well as notify watch commander or designee with all pertinent information via phone and Gov Delivery messaging system. 
• Develops call screening techniques and phone etiquette which allows call takers to create call slips effectively and efficiently.
• Responsible for obtaining and maintaining a current, nationally recognized (Red Cross) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification to perform Cardiac Emergency Communication as per Texas HB 786.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

High school diploma or GED required. Additional related college courses desired.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years of dispatch experience in a fast pace, high volume, environment. Dispatch experience with emergency services is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Must meet the minimum requirements established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for Telecommunicators. A TCOLE Basic Certification is required at hire. Required to recertify all CJIS and TLETS certificates upon expiration. Accurate typing skills 30-35 wpm are required. 

Other requirements include: The ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with fellow employees; ability to use logic and reasoning in approach to problems; ability to use judgment and decision-making skills to evaluate situations, establish priorities, and resolve matters; ability to think quickly; ability actively listen and communicate effectively through clear speech and hearing; ability to follow instructions; ability to write clearly and spell correctly; ability to establish priorities and pass on information as needed and the ability to multi-task with various computer applications and communications systems. Must pass pre-employment requirements. Bilingual preferred.

The METRO Police Communication Liaison Operator position is a security-sensitive position. CLO applicants must pass a (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Any of the following conditions can result in being disqualified for this position:

• Any prior felony
• Class A misdemeanor, or family violence convictions, including deferred adjudication.
• Any Class B misdemeanor convictions and/or deferred adjudication, during the preceding ten years of appointment
• Any pending or non-adjudicated arrest for any criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor)
• Prior discharge from any law enforcement agency for untruthfulness or a Dishonorable Discharge from the military

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.