Police Communications Officer - UTPD - UTK

Police Communications Officer - UTPD - UTK

The University of Tennessee Police Department’s main objective is to provide a safe campus for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. In a UTPD communications position you are responsible for receiving incoming calls, logging information, and coordinating the dispatch of appropriate personnel or services to address emergency or non‑emergency situations, acting as a crucial link between callers and field units by utilizing communication systems to ensure timely responses and efficient service delivery.

This position requires strong multitasking abilities and excellent communication skills to prioritize calls and manage complex situations. You will manage a multi‑line control system in high‑pressure, emergency, and non‑emergency situations.

Police Communications Officers are responsible for maintaining effective and efficient communications between campus law enforcement headquarters, campus patrol officers in the field, outside emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and the public by receiving, recording, and dispatching general and emergency information quickly, clearly, and accurately. They are required to work independently, multitask, react quickly, and demonstrate good judgment and discretion in stressful situations.

The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

• Effectively and efficiently process requests for service on the telephone from public, from outside entities such as other law enforcement agencies, or service providers, as well as from within UT Police Department.
• Uses multi‑channel radio system to transmit requests for service or emergency calls to personnel in the field and uses the radio to track activities of field personnel.
• Clearly and accurately maintain the necessary forms, papers, and printouts of the Communication section.
• May act as Communications Training Officers on their particular shift.
• Monitor the University's Central Alarm system to ensure the security of the various properties connected to the system and respond appropriately to alarm activations according to their specific conditions.
• Uses computer aided dispatch system and records management system to maintain records of calls for service and to review and retrieve records of past calls.
• Uses local and national crime information databases to check vehicle registrations, driver's licenses, criminal histories, and to enter information for regional and national distribution about stolen property, missing persons, suspect of crimes, etc.
• Uses camera system to monitor cameras across campus.

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree

• Good customer service skills.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate self‑restraint in challenging and/or difficult situations.
• Ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Ability to be certified as a National Crime Information Center Operator (NCIC).
• Ability to multitask, use multiple phone lines and radio channels.
• Active listening, service orientation, monitoring, decision making & communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including data entry, ability to pass typing examination.
• Must pass hearing screening and drug testing.

The University of Tennessee Police Department is located on UT Knoxville campus at 1101 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN. The position operates completely onsite with no remote component.

• UT market range: MR05, Hourly Rate $20.84
• Annual Starting Salary: $43,347.20
• Night Shift Incentive: $46,467.20
• Retention Program:
  Retention Plan

Complete or update an online application via Staff Positions | Human Resources (utk.edu). A committee will review applications and conduct interviews for the position. Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police may conduct final interviews. The Chief of Police or designee will select the applicant for this position. Currently this is a multiple open position and does not have an end date.

The University of Tennessee Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve UT and the surrounding community. The communications section runs three shifts:
First Shift (7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.), Second Shift (3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.), and Third Shift (11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.). Placement on shifts is determined by seniority and department needs. Staff may be required to work during extreme weather or hazardous conditions, regular days off, or holidays based on the needs of the department.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Other, Information Technology, and Management

• Higher Education