Police Dispatcher

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

• Job Title: Police Dispatcher
• Requisition Number: RE53266
• Working Title: Communications Officer
• Department Name: 3HL00:
  
  UK Police
• Work Location: Lexington, KY
• Grade Level: 44
• Salary Range: $21.06–33.69/hour
• Type of Position: Staff
• Position Time Status: Full-Time
• Required
  
  Education:
  
  High School (HS)
• Required Related
  
  Experience:
  
  None required
• Required License/Registration/Certification: Certification from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, Telecommunication Academy must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit for extended periods, view multiple computer screens without difficulty, and handle intermittent periods of high stress.
• Shift: Rotating 12‑hour shifts. Must be able to work 7 am–7 pm, 7 pm–7 am, days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime for special events.
• Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
• Final date to receive applications: 03/01/2026

The University of Kentucky Police Department is seeking a Communications Officer to provide emergent and non‑emergent support services to the UK community. This position reports to the Communications Manager within the Security Operations Center. The University of Kentucky Police Department prioritizes its investment in professional development and offers a competitive starting pay of $24.00/hour for Communications Officers.

The major job responsibilities for the Communications Officer are radio monitoring, telecommunications emergency 911, records of activity, and monitoring and operating Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Specifically, Communications Officers receive and respond to a variety of emergency and non‑emergency calls for services and complaints, asking questions to interpret, analyze, and anticipate the caller's situation in order to resolve problems, provide information, dispatch emergency services, or refer callers to other agencies.

This position operates a radio console maintaining radio communications with police and security personnel to ensure proper response to citizens' complaints, calls for service, and officer safety. Communications Officers monitor and operate a multi‑line telephone console system, TDD system for the deaf and hearing‑impaired, an app‑based student safety program, a mass notification system, as well as a control access and camera system.

This position maintains records of service and related data in a computer‑aided dispatch system, and monitors, operates, and modifies information in the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).

If you are not already certified as a Telecommunicator in Kentucky, you will need to attend a mandatory live‑in training academy at the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond, KY. The academy requires that you reside at their residence halls during the week. This must be completed within 1 year of your hire date.

• Customer service
• Typing
• Quick decision making
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Accuracy
• Attention to detail
• Ability to learn and become proficient with new computer systems

• Required Documents: Cover Letter
• Optional Documents: Resume

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky…