Position Responsibilities/Duties: Dispatcher

The Community Watch Dispatchers are assigned to the Communications Section under the direction of the Dispatcher Supervisor. The Communications Center operates 24/7/365.

There are four Dispatchers assigned on two 12-hour shifts for a total of eight per day. Additionally, there is one Dispatch Supervisor assigned to each shift.

The Dispatcher position is a very demanding job that requires strong communication and computer skills. Dispatchers act as the "Communications Hub" by providing appropriate response and assistance to our residents, visitors, Community Watch Patrol Drivers, local law enforcement, Villages Public Safety Department and other agencies requesting a wide variety of services. Dispatchers are responsible for coordinating and monitoring their response efforts through the use of radio communications, telephone and computer aided dispatch (CAD).

The following are just some of the responsibilities/duties of the Community Watch Dispatcher:

1. Answers the phones in a calm, professional and friendly manner so that callers’ concerns can be addressed positively.
2. Monitors 800 Mhz radio communications with Patrol Drivers.
3. Records all service activities received in the Communication Center into the CAD system (i.e.; telephone calls for information and/or service; patrol activity performed by Patrol Drivers.).
4. Connects residents to 911 Emergency dispatch centers, when appropriate.
5. Provides after hour resident assistance for various District departments including Finance Customer Service for utility/water information, Customer Service, Recreation and Community Standards.
6. Generates work order reports to notify service agencies of needed maintenance or repairs:
   1. General Maintenance – District Property Management (DPM) and Commercial Property Management (CPM)
   2. Gate Up Reports – DPM, CPM
   3. Camera/Gate Reader – DPM, CPM
   4. Utilities (lights/water) – SECO, Duke Energy or other appropriate agency
   5. Water Conservation Report – Arnett Environmental, Town of Lady Lake
   6. Radio Tower Light Status – The Villages Radio Station (for the FAA)
7. Makes calls for residents participating in the Adult Watch Program. For additional information about this program, please click here.
8. Receives and broadcasts information (BOLOs) from local law enforcement agencies regarding individuals who are wanted or missing (i.e.; suspects, persons of interest or missing people with medical issues – Alzheimer’s, etc.)
9. Contacts and schedules off duty personnel for emergency staffing.
10. Contacts residents for a well-being check if two newspapers are reported in driveway.
11. As a courtesy, contacts residents to advise them of an open garage door between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am.