Communications Unit

Position of Police Dispatcher for the internationally accredited University of Arizona Police Department

The University of Arizona is seeking dynamic individuals to fill the position of Police Dispatchers for its internationally accredited Police Department. Dispatchers are skilled emergency service workers. The role of the police dispatcher involves receiving emergency 911 and non-emergency requests for public safety assistance, determining nature/urgency of calls, initiating police or other emergency personnel action, and maintaining close contact with field units to monitor response and needed support requirements. The position of Police Dispatcher requires a considerable degree of initiative and independent judgment within procedural boundaries in responding to a variety of situations. Work may be done separately or in conjunction with other Police Dispatchers. The position of Police Dispatcher requires shift assignments and overtime to support a fully operational, 24-hour dispatch center.

· Receives and responds to emergency and non-emergency calls including enhanced 911, and non-emergency calls from the public

· Answer general question from the public about university policies, university activities, and university operations

· Answer public questions about police department operations, policies, and police activities

· Direct callers to the appropriate resources to resolve questions, concerns, or problems

· Processes and evaluates information received, prioritizes calls and dispatches required units

· Relays pertinent information on the police radio in a factual and concise manner

· Monitors and coordinates police unit activity and assignments via police radio

· Maintains status and locations of police units on a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system

· Monitors security camera, fire and intrusion alarms and dispatches accordingly

· Operates computer terminal to obtain vehicle information, driver’s license information, and criminal record information

· Enters data from officer reports into a national criminal information system

· Types report logs of police activities during shift

· Monitors teletype messages and relays important information to officers

· Utilizes technology such as computers, radio systems, telephones, fax machines and other communication equipment

· Maintains automated or manual logs of public safety communications activity

· Accesses, enters, and maintains sensitive data in local/state/national databases as necessary for investigative purposes

· Maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of information created or encountered in the performance of assigned duties

· Keeps informed of departmental regulations, policies, and procedures

· Assist in providing on-the-job training for Police Radio Dispatch trainees and submit progress reports and evaluations on trainees

· Regular and reliable attendance; Shift work is required which may include nights, weekends, and holidays

· Knowledge of applicable state and Federal statutes, rules, ordinances, codes, regulations governing dispatching

· Knowledge of Department policies and procedures

· Skill in determining priorities and handling high-pressure situations

· Observing situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely

· Skill in communicating clearly and concisely and relaying details accurately

· Skill in written communication

· Skill in handling a high volume of telephone calls

· Skill in typing with high accuracy

· Skill in operating computers and related communication equipment

· Skill in quick decision-making during emergency situations

· Skill in assessing, analyzing, identifying, and implementing solutions to complex problems

· Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

· Skill in handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially

· Skill in recalling numerous details and essential information

· Skill in operating radio, telephone, keyboard, computer terminal, and related communications equipment

· Ability to reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies

· Ability to creating and maintaining manual and automated logs and other records of public safety communications activities

· Ability to read and interpreting maps to determine locations

Salary: $45,000 ($21.635/hr)

Benefits:

  • Salary Step Increase Program
  • UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for employees & qualified family members
  • Comprehensive benefits package: health, dental, and vision insurance plans and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave 
  • Employee assistance counseling
  • Four 10-hour work week
  • 10 paid holidays and university closure
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • Paid military leave
  • Arizona State Retirement Plan
  • Paid overtime
  • Opportunity to work special events (football and basketball games, book fair, concerts, etc.) with double pay
  • Differential pay for shift work

Visit UA HR Benefits for more information on the many benefits offered as a UA Employee!

Applicants must:

  • Pass a computerized exam to proceed to oral board.
  • Obtain a passing score of 70% on the oral review board for consideration.
  • Pass an extensive background investigation, polygraph and psychological exam.
  • Become ACJIS TOC certified following employment with UAPD.