Police Dispatcher

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Training opportunities

Competitive pay

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Communications Officer to join the Police Department Security Operations Center. This role provides emergent and non-emergent communications support by receiving calls for service, dispatching officers and security personnel, and maintaining critical records and systems.

Daily responsibilities include monitoring a multi-channel radio console, prioritizing calls, operating telephony and safety systems, and maintaining accurate records in CAD, online

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Certification from Kentucky Telecommunication Academy within 12 months of hire.
• Strong data entry and record-keeping accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor multi-channel 800 MHz radio console and dispatch personnel.
• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and determine priority.
• Operate telephony, TDD, mass notification, access control, and cameras.
• Maintain records in CAD, online reporting tools, and Excel.
• Coordinate with CJIS and local, state, federal agencies.
• Provide customer service to callers and visitors.

Skills

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Typing

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CJIS

Excel

Dispatch systems

Job description

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 of time, view multiple computer screens without difficulty, and handle intermittent periods of high levels of stress.

Shift

Rotating 12 hour shifts. Must be able to work any of the following:
7 am – 7 pm
7 pm – 7 am
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, and Overtime for special events.

Job Summary

Support Public Safety Through Critical Emergency Communications and Dispatch Operations
The University of Kentucky is seeking a Communications Officer to join the University of Kentucky Police Department Security Operations Center.
This position provides emergent and non-emergent communications support to the UK community by receiving calls for service, dispatching police and security personnel, and maintaining critical records and communication systems. The Communications Officer plays an important role in supporting public safety, coordinating responses to incidents, and ensuring accurate information sharing with campus and external agencies.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor and operate a multi-channel 800 MHz radio console to maintain communication with police and security personnel and support officer safety.
• Receive and respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, assess caller needs, determine call priority, and dispatch appropriate services.
• Operate communication and safety systems including multi-line telephone consoles, TDD services, student safety applications, mass notification systems, access control systems, and camera systems.
• Maintain accurate records of calls for service, officer activity, and related information within computer-aided dispatch systems, online reporting tools, and Excel spreadsheets.
• Monitor, operate, and update information within the Criminal Justice Information System ( CJIS ) while coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Provide customer service to callers and visitors by answering administrative phone lines and directing requests appropriately.

What You’ll Bring

• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when documenting information.
• Quick problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Computer proficiency, including data entry, typing, and system navigation.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• High school diploma
• No related experience required
• Certification from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training Telecommunication Academy must be obtained within 12 months of hire

What’s In It for You

• Competitive starting pay of $24.00 per hour.
• Professional development opportunities through the University of Kentucky Police Department.
• Training and certification opportunities that support career growth in emergency communications and public safety.

Why Now?

The University of Kentucky Police Department relies on skilled communications professionals to help provide timely responses to emergencies, service requests, and safety concerns across the campus community. This position is essential to ensuring accurate information flow between callers, officers, and partner agencies.
As campus safety operations continue to depend on advanced communication, dispatch, and notification systems, the Communications Officer serves a vital role in supporting efficient service delivery, incident response, and public safety coordination.

Telecommunicator Certification Requirement

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.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

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

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/13/2026

Our University Community

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 is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.