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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

New York City Police Department | Evaluated Learning Experience

1. Police Communications Technician I; 2. Police Communications Technician II

Formerly Police Communications Technician
Course Category: 
Length: 

Version 1, Course 1: 385 hours and 32 weeks of supervised practical internship; Version 1, Course 2: 210 hours and 32 weeks of supervised practical internship. Version 2: Course 1: 455 hours and 34 weeks of supervised practical internship. Version 2, Course 2: 245 hours and 34 weeks of supervised practical internship. 

Location: 
11 Metro Tech, Brooklyn N.Y. 11201; 350 Marconi St, Bronx, NY 10461.
Dates: 

Version 1, Course 1:  January 2015 - May 2023.  Version 1, Course 2: January 2015 – May 2023. Version 2, Course 1:  June 2023 - Present. Version 2, Course 2: June 2023 – Present. 

Instructional delivery format: 
Traditional classroom model
Learner Outcomes: 

Version 1 and 2, Course 1: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: assess the role of policing, and perform the duties of a Police Communications Technician by developing the key skills and techniques of a calltaker and radio dispatcher; explain the Police Department’s Communication Section rules and regulations as well as the roles, responsibilities and qualities required of a Police Communications Technician; use radio signal codes; analyze common crime definitions and apply to emergency and non-emergency incidents received at the 911 call center; utilize communication technology systems such as I/CAD; VESTA and demonstrate an understanding of the functions and features such as TTY, Back Up Ani Ali Retrieval System (BARS), Master Volume, Quick Keys, Queue Display and Caller Information Display (CID); demonstrate effective communication techniques including information gathering, active listening skills and conflict management; and demonstrate mapping skills. Version 1 and 2, Course 2: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: evaluate policing in a modern society, define and describe general dispatching procedures; select proper radio terminology; utilize the Radio Master Control Panel; analyze and describe how to coordinate a citywide effort during critical incidents; explain the operational procedures and protocols when handling 10-13 incidents, fire calls, rapid mobilizations, kidnappings, active shooter incidents and critical events to ensure the safety of the officers and the public; and apply dispatching techniques along with I/CAD formats to properly assign units to emergency incidents within the five boroughs. 

Instruction: 

Version 1, Course 1 and 2: Major topics include: Policing in a modern society; role of policing; NYPD rules and regulations, calltaking procedures, crime definitions, radio code signals, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and VESTA telephone systems, geographical layout of NYC, communication techniques, active shooter procedures, customer service skills, structured information gathering, New York State Right to Know Laws; Equal Employment Opportunity, stress awareness and stress management, utilizing radio terminology, prioritizing emergency events, Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and handling calls for the Deaf, hearing/speech impaired community, radio dispatching functions and procedures, and computerized data systems. Throughout both courses students conduct hands on training with tenured employees to practice and apply the material taught.  In addition to the Police Communication Technician Courses, students engage in supervised field experience on the operational floor for a total of 64 weeks.  Training officers and the Quality Assurance Section (QAS) closely observe progress by conducting monitoring and bi-monthly observations. Version 2, Course 1 and 2: Same as version 1, with expanded instruction in curriculum to include Penal Law, School Safety Training, Text to 911 training, mental health first aide training, and additional field experience hours (total 68 weeks). 

Credit recommendation: 

Version 1, Course 1 and 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 6 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Public Safety or as a Communications elective and 3 semester hours as an Internship in Police Administration, Police Operations, Public Safety or as a Communications elective (8/17).  Version 2, Course 1 and 2: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 9 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Public Safety or as a Communications elective and 3 semester hours as an Internship in Police Administration, Police Operations, Public Safety or as a Communications elective (6/23 revalidation). NOTE: For all versions, students must successfully complete Course 1 and Course 2 to access credit recommendations. 

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