Police Dispatcher / Safety Communications Operator, UMKC Police Department

UMKC Police Department

The UMKC Police Department provides a safe, secure, and service-focused environment for all members of the university community. Safety Communications Operators are the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency assistance, serving as a vital communications hub for police and public safety operations. In this role, you will manage critical information flow, support officer safety, and ensure timely, accurate coordination of responses across campus. This position demands professionalism, composure, and strong decision-making in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

What You'll Do

Emergency and Non-Emergency Call Handling:

• Answer and manage multi-line phone systems, including 911, emergency, and administrative lines and transfer calls to appropriate personnel or agencies as needed.
• Gather accurate information from callers, assess urgency, and prioritize requests for service.
• Serve as the university's after-hours emergency switchboard and route urgent notifications appropriately.
  

Radio and Dispatch Operations:

• Operate multi-channel police radio systems to dispatch officers, security personnel, and support units.
• Track officer status, movements, and safety through continuous monitoring and documentation.
• Relay real-time updates, safety alerts, and critical information to field personnel with clarity and precision.
  

Monitoring and Security Systems:

• Monitor alarms, panic systems, access alerts, and campus camera feeds.
• Identify suspicious, unsafe, or criminal activity and coordinate immediate response from available units.
• Document building alarms and work with Facilities or after-hours maintenance when required.
  

Data Entry and Incident Documentation:

• Maintain accurate, real-time CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) logs for all police and security activity.
• Use public-safety systems including CAD, MULES, and Rave Guardian to enter, retrieve, and verify data.
• Support incident reporting and investigative needs through detailed and consistent documentation.
  

Customer Service and Front Desk Operations:

• Serve as the first point of contact for walk-in individuals requesting assistance, information, or directions.
• Provide professional, courteous customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as key control inquiries and general departmental communication.
  

Training and Additional Duties:

• May assist in training new Communications Operators.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the UMKC Police Department.

Why Join UMKC PD?

• Impactful Work: Play a critical role in enhancing campus safety through effective communication and coordination.
• Team Environment: Work closely with officers, supervisors, and university partners in a collaborative public-safety setting.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for training in public-safety communications, technology, and critical-incident coordination.

Standard Hours:

• 8-hour shifts across three rotating schedules: Days (7am-3pm), Evenings (3pm-11pm), and Midnights (11pm-7am).
• Overtime may be available/required for shift coverage, special events, and/or campus emergencies as needed.

Essential Personnel Requirements:

• As an essential university employee, may be required to work during weekends, university holidays, campus closures, severe weather events, and other emergency situations as operational needs dictate.

• A high school diploma and 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired is necessary

• Two or more years of administrative, dispatch, or communications experience.
• Prior public-safety, 911, or law-enforcement communications background.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and accurate typing.
• Ability to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as up to $18.00 per hour.
This position is eligible for a $1.00 shift differential for eligible hours. See HR-213 Shift Differential for more information.
This position is eligible for a $1,500 hiring incentive. See HR-104 Hiring and Retention Incentives for more information.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 6
University Title: SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.