University Police Communications Officer

University, MS
The University of Mississippi

Salary: $38,771

Position Summary:

Receives and transmits emergency and non-emergency calls for service, monitors security and emergency systems, and coordinates emergency response.

Essential Functions:

  • Answer, direct, and make both emergency and non-emergency phone calls
  • Operate multi-channel handheld and console radios
  • Dispatch University Police Officers to calls for service
  • Become familiar with department policies and procedures
  • Maintain the highest level of personal and professional ethics
  • Maintain strict confidentiality
  • Follow after-hours notification procedures
  • Coordinate multi-agency incident response: Oxford Police, Lafayette County Sherriff’s Office, Oxford Fire, Baptist EMS, etc.
  • Complete initial training as well as continuing education
  • Act as an answering point for and delegate tasks to other departments such as Parking and Transportation, Facilities, Housing, Counseling, etc.
  • Determine appropriate priority and complete multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Code calls and record details appropriately for proper response and reporting purposes
  • Utilize numerous databases
  • Operate advanced equipment and conduct minor troubleshooting as needed
  • Monitor campus-wide camera systems
  • Monitor campus-wide alarm systems
  • Facilitate a positive relationship between UPD and the community
  • Maintain composure during times of crisis
  • Assign responding units as necessary
  • Facilitate emergency translation services
  • Monitor weather conditions and relay information for campus safety
  • Provide communications for special events such as athletic, Greek, Commencement, entertainment, and protection details
  • Assist internal divisions as requested: Patrol, Investigations, Accreditation, Campus Safety, Emergency Management, etc.
  • Examples of common calls: wrecks, jump starts, unlocks, welfare concerns, mental health crisis, parking complaints, conflict resolution, damage to property, missing property, substance issues, alarms, traffic stops, medical, safety escorts, building checks, parking lot checks, etc.

Requirements:

  • High School or Equivalent.
  • Physical Requirements: These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis.
  • Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
  • Physical Exertion: The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.
  • Vision: Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
  • Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is mostly required to sit, but some standing will be involved. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms.

Preferred Requirements:

  • A resume and cover letter are not required but are encouraged.
  • Minimum education required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • A valid driver’s license.
  • Due to the nature of the position, the candidate must speak, read, and understand English fluently. Additional languages are always a plus, but are not required.
  • The Mississippi Board of Emergency Telecommunicators Standards and Training (BETST) requires all state certified dispatchers to be citizens of the United States.
  • BETST requires Communications Officers to become state certified within one year of employment. (at no cost to the employee)
  • All candidates who advance in the hiring process must pass an extensive background check, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
  • No prior experience is necessary