Job details

Police Communications Officer - UT Police Department - UTK

Position Number: 6146645
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Police Communications Officer - UT Police Department - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 42
Job Category: Public Safety
Posting Date: 04/15/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Description
The University of Tennessee Police Department's main objective is to provide a safe campus for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

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.

Responsibilities
Police Communications Officers are responsible for maintaining effective and efficient communications between campus law enforcement headquarters, campus patrol officers in the field, outside emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and the public by receiving, recording, and dispatching general and emergency information quickly, clearly, and accurately. They are required to work independently, multi-task, react quickly, and demonstrate good judgment and discretion in stressful situations. The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 52 weeks a year.

Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications
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 $20.57
Annual Starting Salary: $42,785.60
Night Shift Incentive: $1.50 = $45,905.60
Retention Program: https://safety.utk.edu/police/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Recruitment-Retention-Plan-2023.pdf

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/ .

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/42/?mode=location