Traffic Camera Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under general supervision, responsible for monitoring the City's security camera systems and technology platforms to support police officers and detectives in real-time operations and criminal investigations. Reports to a Police Sergeant. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS The role involves monitoring and operating an integrated computer system that combines live camera feeds, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and police radio systems.

The operator identifies activities or behaviors requiring a police response, such as fights, in-progress assaults, crowd monitoring, and other public safety concerns. They also oversee in-progress calls for service, providing additional intelligence and situational awareness to responding officers, and track officer activity during traffic stops and field encounters, coordinating additional resources when necessary. Maintaining situational awareness is crucial, including monitoring police units and evolving incidents to assist with suspect identification, vehicle tracking, locating fleeing suspects, and relaying critical information when on-scene personnel cannot.

The operator performs real-time technology-based investigative work to support dispatch and field responses, monitoring camera and license plate reader systems during active incidents, and communicating with police personnel via radio and CAD systems. They review archived footage, license plate data, and other digital evidence to aid detectives in investigations. Additionally, the role requires collecting relevant information for making timely decisions in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.

The operator operates and interprets multiple software systems, examines video footage, uploads evidence to repositories, and drafts incident reports. They also answer phones regarding technical issues, information requests, and operational questions, while maintaining operational reports and documenting activities within the Records Management System (RMS). The position may involve assisting officers with criminal research, digital evidence retrieval, and providing courtroom testimony when required.

Other duties are assigned as needed, with individual tasks determined by supervisory staff based on workload and departmental needs. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job: Has some knowledge of public safety practices and departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Has some knowledge of the social and economic factors within the community.

Has some knowledge of basic investigative methods, evidence handling procedures, and traffic control techniques. Is able to use common office machines and computer systems. Is able to prepare clear and concise reports and accurately document information obtained from victims, witnesses, and the public.

Is able to exercise initiative and independent judgment in applying established standards to routine situations. Is able to explain rules, regulations, and departmental procedures to the general public in a clear and courteous manner. Is able to exercise tact, courtesy, and discretion when interacting with the public, sworn personnel, and other employees.

Is able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments. Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.

Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication, interacts within departments/divisions along with co- workers and the general public. Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions." Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines

Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas. Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.

Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time- off requests. Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Determine or assist in determining alternative solutions to problems.

Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with minimum errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and research problems, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment. Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same.

Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences is justified, e.g., poor communication, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation among all department staff. Relationships with Others: Shares information with supervisors and coworkers to support effective communication and overall departmental operations

Contributes to maintaining high morale among department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with fellow employees, sworn personnel, staff in other city departments, representatives from outside organizations, and members of the general public in order to maintain goodwill and project a positive departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from the public and other departments to support smooth operations within the city.

Interacts professionally with coworkers, sworn officers, emergency communications personnel, and the general public as required by work assignments. Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for completing work in accordance with an effective time-management methodology.

Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions for specific work elements, and discussions on time.

Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines, and events. Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies.

Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace. Education, Experience & Special Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Requires a high school diploma or GED.

Candidates should have one to two years of experience monitoring camera systems, including security cameras, CCTV systems, or surveillance platforms. Preferred qualifications include experience in security management, video file storage and retrieval, and use of two-way police radio systems. Additionally, experience with computers and digital evidence management systems is required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS This position requires a comprehensive background investigation, which includes local, state, and federal criminal history checks, as well as sex offender registry checks. Employees must be able to work a rotating schedule that encompasses weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, in the event of a declared emergency in the City of Portsmouth, personnel in this role may be required to work and perform duties that are essential to ensuring public safety.

Physical Demands MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements Must be physically able to operate office and technical equipment including computer systems, radios, telephones, and related equipment. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible force frequently. Work is generally sedentary but may involve periods of walking or standing.

("Must be physically able to operate office and technical equipment...") Data Conception Ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people, or objects. Interpersonal Communications Ability to speak and signal to convey information and receive assignments. Language Ability Ability to read reports and prepare documentation consistent with professional standards

Intelligence Ability to apply logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Verbal Aptitude Ability to communicate effectively using legal, medical, and emergency response terminology. Numerical Aptitude Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and interpret statistical data.

Motor Coordination Ability to coordinate hands and eyes in operating office equipment. Manual Dexterity Ability to handle keyboards, switches, and other technical equipment. Color Discrimination Ability to differentiate between colors and shades.

Interpersonal Temperament Ability to perform under stress in emergency situations. Physical Communication Ability to talk and hear, including communication via two-way radio. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA requires the city to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. This is a class description and not an individual position description.

A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list all the essential job functions for a given position in a classification. This class description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.