Law Enforcement Dispatcher

Job Summary

The UW-Madison Police Department (UWPD) is hiring Law Enforcement Dispatchers. UWPD Dispatchers operate technical equipment, answer 911 calls, and coordinate police response in a 24‑hour communication center to ensure safety and security on all institutional properties. They serve as the primary point of contact for students, staff, and visitors experiencing a wide range of issues, from non‑emergency to emergencies, assisting them to the needed resources or information both inside and outside the institution.

They assist in maintaining and updating Communication Center resources.

UW-Madison Police Department employees support the department's vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner that respects the rights, safety, and dignity of all individuals. Employees are expected to take an active role in creating and maintaining a positive, welcoming, and inclusive work environment and to work in partnership with campus and community stakeholders. This position requires in‑person work at a designated campus location, including special events, weekends, holidays, and evening or overnight hours as assigned.

Law Enforcement Dispatchers generally work 10‑hour shifts with a four‑day weekend every other week.

• Troubleshoots, triages, and escalates issues according to established policies and procedures
• Communicates effectively and provides accurate and detailed instructions to all types of audiences in high‑stress emergency situations
• Schedules logistics and secures resources for response to emergency incidents for the institution
• Documents incidents accurately and adheres to all applicable policies, rules, and regulations
• Operates police radios, phone consoles, and various equipment and technologies to receive and process requests and information from institutional affiliates, law enforcement, and other public safety agencies

$26.00 hourly (minimum)

Differentials

• Night differential: $2.50/hr for all hours worked between 6:00 pm – 6:00 am
• Weekend differential: $2.00/hr for all hours worked between 12:00 am – 12:00 am on Saturday and Sunday
• Both differentials apply when working a weekend night

• Comprehensive health insurance and prescription coverage
• Supplemental dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Accident coverage
• Income continuation insurance (short and long‑term disability)
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Coverage under the Wisconsin Retirement System (employer matching)
• 403(b) and 457(b) Supplemental Retirement Accounts
• Education Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Trainings
• Vacation benefits that increase over time
• Nine paid legal holidays
• Paid personal holidays
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks Paid Parental Leave
• On‑duty paid workouts
• Department‑provided physical therapy
• Fitness room
• Financial and wellness workshops
• Group fitness activities

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License and a minimum of 2 years of driving experience (can be met within 3 months of hire).
• Effective communication skills, multi‑tasking proficiencies, and the ability to make quick decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Must pass the initial application screening, all steps of the hiring process, an extensive background investigation including past employment, reference checks, social media check, credit history, drug screen, and medical and psychological examination prior to beginning employment.

• Previous public safety dispatch, military, or Criminal Justice experience is helpful, but not required. All other employment and/or life experience will be considered.

Required:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.