Police Communication Specialist

The primary purpose is to provide all communications for USF Police and Public Safety personnel in their day-to- day activities.  This position must be staffed at all times, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Responsible for monitoring the field positions/activities of Law Enforcement Officers, Investigators, and non-sworn officers; dispatching officers in an efficient manner to emergency and service calls and coordinating other non-university emergency response services. (Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Department). Inputs and transmits call information, checks driver's licenses records, vehicle registrations, warrants, criminal histories, and missing person lists using computer terminal. Monitors and dispatches Parking Services Specialist via radio and phone, verifies vehicle information to determine whether to boot or unboots vehicles, enters boot information into Flex. Receives and dispatches all motorist assist calls to the field. Receives and dispatches reserved space dispute calls and dispatches, as necessary.

Operates/monitors at a high level of proficiency the Hillsborough County's enhanced 9-1-1 emergency system, FCIC/NCIC computer system, the Blue light emergency phone System, camera system software, card access system software and all other equipment in the Communications Center. Monitors and dispatches security officers to respond to card access calls, motorist assist calls, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls via radio and phone and determines response needed from law enforcement and/or security services. Receives open door requests from faculty and staff and dispatches as necessary. Assists with weekend calendar of events schedules and dispatches, as needed. Coordinates patrollers as needed in emergency situations. Dispatches escort requests from various entities on campus. Monitors university alarm system and notifies appropriate personnel upon activation.

Reviews, evaluates and disseminates criminal activity/confidential information to those who have a need to know on a 24-hour basis and provides information/assistance to members of the public who visit the front desk of the University Police Department.

Enters communication, routine calls, officer's activity and other pertinent non-criminal information into Computer Aided Dispatch for use in evaluating all law enforcement, parking enforcement, and security officers  security field activities. Assists the Communication Supervisor in the field training of new dispatchers.

*Marginal Functions include:  Assists in running information for various sections of the agency for investigative purposes (Detectives, officers), monitors other agency and university department channels when necessary. Monitors special events coordinated by other law enforcement agencies affecting university or department operation. Provide budgetary input to supervisors for equipment purchases related to the Communications Center.

 

MINIMUM:

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and one year of appropriate experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Must pass the FCIC/NCIC certification course within 6 months and continuous maintenance of certification thereafter. This position also requires possession within six months of hire of a Department of Health 911 Telecommunications Certification and continuous maintenance of certification thereafter.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.

6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

PREFERRED:

Possession of a current certification as a State of Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator.   Three or more years' experience working as a Public Safety Telecommunicator for a law enforcement or emergency operation; state certification on NCIC/FCIC computer system.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insuran