Communications

The Rockwall Police Department Communications Center employs the true “First Responders” of the organization. Communications Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to answer all 9-1-1 emergency calls and non-emergency calls for public safety assistance. The Communications Center serves the City of Rockwall, the City of Fate and the City of Heath.

The Communications Division is comprised of 3 Communications Supervisors and 12 Communications Specialists. Each employee receives extensive training through NCT-9-1-1 and during the Communications Training Officer program here at the Rockwall Police Department.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

The Communications Center is responsible for activating the Outdoor Emergency Warning Sirens as directed by the City of Rockwall Emergency Management Coordinator. Weather events commonly create a high call volume for the Communications Center. Please do not call during a siren activation unless you are in need of public safety assistance. If you are outdoors when the sirens are activated, find shelter and monitor a television or radio program that provides weather related information. The Rockwall County Emergency Management Coordinator also provides updates through NIXLE alerts https://www.nixle.com/. The Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested bi-weekly on Wednesday.

9-1-1 Emergency Calls

The Communications Center is equipped with the Phase II E911 system and has Text to 911 capabilities. The system is capable of displaying a telephone number and a general location of a wireless caller as well as the address/phone number of a landline call to 911. Answering 911 calls is challenging due to advances in technology and the increase in calls that originate from wireless callers. The Communication Center is also equipped to handle emergency and non-emergency calls from the hearing impaired.

Reminder: Cell phones that are not connected to a service provider are capable of calling 911. Please be sure you lock your cell phone to avoid unintended emergency calls.

Career Opportunities

The Rockwall Police Department is seeking individuals with integrity and professionalism to join our team. The ideal candidate will have the ability to multitask, make sound decisions during stressful situations and work well in a team environment.

Minimum Requirements

- 18 years of age with a High School diploma or GED.
- A minimum 6 months of experience answering telephones while interacting with the public; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Obtain the following certification(s) within 1 year of date of hire.
- TCIC/NCIC, 9-1-1, Fire Service Dispatch, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunications Operator.

Pay and Benefits

- Starting Pay $19.31 per hour, $40,164.80 annually. Employees receive an annual pay increase until they reach $25.73 per hour, $53,518.40 annually. The total top pay is $55,659.14 which includes a lump sum payment after the employee anniversary date.

- Certificate Pay: Intermediate - $300 per year / Advanced - $600 per year / Masters - $900 per year

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: There is a 30 day waiting period for insurance. The city provides each employee with a choice of 3 plans to choose from.
- Sick Leave: 6.67 hours per month with no maximum accrual

- Vacation:

0 – 1 years of service 6.67 hours per month
1 - 4 years of service 10.00 hours per month
5 – 9 years of service 11.67 hours per month
10 years > 13.34 hours per month

- Holiday Pay: 11 holidays (option of double time and a half pay if worked or bank holiday to be used within fiscal year)

- Longevity Pay: $5.00 per month of service after completing 1 year

- Retirement: Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) – 14% contribution by City – 20 year retirement, 5 year vesting

- Life Insurance: 1 x Pay up to $50,000 through City 1 x Pay through TMRS (no max)

Additional Information

For questions or concerns regarding the Communications Division, please contact Lieutenant Joseph Florance at jflorance@rockwall.com or by telephone at (972) 772-6736.