Police Communications Officer - UT Police Department - UTK
At a glance
Mid-level Communications role at University of Tennessee. Knoxville · full-time · $43,347–$46,467 base.
Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- You’ll answer calls, gather details, and send the right personnel or services to each situation
- You’ll operate phone, radio, dispatch, alarm, records, and campus camera systems during active incidents
- You’ll document calls and communications, then retrieve prior records when needed
- You’ll check crime information databases and submit details about stolen property, missing people, and suspects
- You’ll monitor field activity and may train communications staff on your shift
What you bring
- You have a high school diploma or equivalent; an associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred
- You can stay composed, solve problems, listen actively, and communicate clearly in difficult situations
- You can handle multiple phone lines and radio channels while entering accurate computer records
- You can pass a typing exam, hearing screening, drug test, and requirements for NCIC operator certification
- You bring customer service skills and can work effectively in a multicultural setting
Who this fits
You’ll suit a high-pressure, fully onsite role at the UT Knoxville campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, serving callers, field personnel, and the wider university community. The department runs three shifts, with placement based on seniority and operational needs. You may need to work holidays, scheduled days off, severe weather, hazardous conditions, and some UT home football games.
From the employer
In a UTPD communications position you are in a role 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 multi-tasking 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.
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, drivers' 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.
Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education/Experience:
Associate degree or bachelor’s degree
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- 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 multi-cultural setting.
- Demonstrate problem solving skills
- Ability to be certified as a National Crime Information Center Operator (NCIC).
- Ability to multi-task, 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.
Work Location:
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.
Compensation and Benefits
- UT market range: MR05, Hourly Rate $20.84
- Annual Starting Salary: $43,347,20
- Night Shift Incentive: $1.50 / $22.34 = $46,467.20
- Retention Program: https://safety.utk.edu/police/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Recruitment-Retention-Plan-2023.pdf
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here
Application Instructions
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.
About The College/Department/Division
The University of Tennessee Police Department is at the heart of safety on campus. The UT Police Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve UT and the surrounding community.
The University of Tennessee Police Department operates three shifts for the Communications section:
First Shift: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Second Shift: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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 / hazardous conditions, regular days off, or holidays based on the needs of the department. All UT Police Staff work on some aspects of UT home football games regardless of the person’s schedule.
General information about the UT Police Department is available at https://safety.utk.edu/police/ .
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