Police Dispatcher

University of Kentucky

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

Posting Details Posting Details Job TitlePolice DispatcherRequisition NumberRE53985Working TitleCommunications OfficerDepartment Name3HL00:UK PoliceWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level44Salary Range$21.06-33.69/hourType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired EducationHSClick here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related ExperienceNo experience required.Required License/Registration/CertificationCertification from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, Telecommunication Academy must be obtained within 12 months of hirePhysical RequirementsMust be able to sit for extended periods of time, view multiple computer screens without difficulty, and handle intermittent periods of high levels of stress.ShiftRotating 12 hour shifts with rotating weekends off. Must be able to work any of the following:
1). 7:00am – 7:00pm
2). 7:00pm – 7:00am

Days, Nights, Weekends, Holidays, and Overtime for special events such as UK home football games.Job SummaryThe 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 Support Services division. The University of Kentucky Police Department prioritizes its investment of professional development and offers a competitive starting pay of $24.00/hour for Communications Officers.

The major job responsibilities for the Communications Officer is radio monitoring, telecommunications – emergency 911, records of activity, and monitoring and operating CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System). Specifically, Communication 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 as 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 be required 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 / AbilitiesCustomer service
Typing
Quick decision making
Excellent written and verbal communication
Accuracy
Attention to detail
Ability to learn and become proficient with new computer systemsDoes this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply04/26/2026Our University CommunityWe 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a certified dispatcher in the state of Kentucky?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Please describe your previous work experience as a public safety dispatcher.

   (Open Ended Question)

3. * Describe your work experience providing customer service in a fast-paced work environment.

   (Open Ended Question)

4. * What do you feel is the most important aspect of being a police dispatcher?

   (Open Ended Question)

5. * If you are not already certified, this position requires you to attend a live-in training academy as part of the Department of Criminal Justice Training. This requirement is stated in the posting within the job summary section. Are you aware of this requirement?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents
Required DocumentsOptional Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

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