Orlando Police Department
Communications Center

Equal Employment Opportunity Plan

The Orlando Police Department Communications Division is a state of the art Communications Center serving the citizens of Orlando withinnovation and professionalism. The center provides the highest quality of service utilizing an enhanced 911 System, Motorola 800 MHz Radio System, Automated Vehicle Locator Equipment and Computer Aided Dispatch System that interfaces with Mobile Data Terminals. The center is committed to operational excellence.

There are two intricate sections in the Communications Center.

• Call taker - handles incoming emergency and non emergency calls using a computer aided dispatch system.

• Radio Dispatch - dispatches calls for service to the citizens of Orlando via an 800 MHz radio system.

The Communications Center has 73 civilian employees consisting of Emergency Communications Specialists, Supervisors, Technical Support and Managers.

RECRUITING

To become an Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS), you must first meet the minimum requirements:

• Have a High School diploma or GED.

• Have no felony convictions or a history of incidents where the applicant's integrity was in question.

HIRING PROCESS

You may contact the city of Orlando Personnel Management Department for information about employment opportunities. Download an Employment Application.

An ECS applicant must successfully complete the following:

• Pass a Typing Test - 25 correct words per minute

• Pass the Public Safety Telecommunications Test (Aptitude Test)

• Pass Practical Tests

• Pass Polygraph

• Formal Interview

• Background Check

• Medical Exam (includes drug screening)

BENEFITS AND INFORMATION

Salary: The starting salary for an Emergency Communications Specialist (ECS) is $11.81 per hour, $24,210 annually. There is a $.80 per hour shift differential for hours worked on the evening or midnight shift. Time and a half is paid for hours worked over 40 per week.

After an initial 6 months probation period, employees receive a 7% salary promotional increase, and an additional 7% promotional increase after completing training in all positions.

Merit: Employees receive an annual merit increase based on job performance.

Shifts: Employees work rotating shifts which include Midnights (11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.), Dayshift (7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) and Evening Shift (3:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.). (Shifts are subject to change.)

Leave: 3 weeks of paid vacation leave per year and 6 paid holidays.

Uniforms: Provided after completion of 6 months of employment.

Training: 4-16 weeks of classroom and structured on the job training.

Insurance: Variety of insurance options. Dependent coverage available at an additional cost to the employee.

Retirement: 401(a) Plan. The City pays certain costs. Partial vested rights after three years and early retirement after 55 years of age or 25 years of service.

If you are interested in employment opportunities with the Orlando Police Department Communications Division, please contact Recruiting at 321-235-5313 or fax a resume to 407-249-4601. The City of Orlando is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

E-mail questions or comments to: taunya.harris@cityoforlando.net