University Police Communications Officer

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

About Us:

The University of Mississippi

We are the “Flagship” University for the state of Mississippi with enrollment of over 27,000 for 2024 and climbing annually.

The University employs over 15,000 faculty and staff across its campuses.

We have earned a spot on The Chronicle of Higher Education’s national “Great Colleges to Work For” list for 15 years! The factors considered include among others: employee well-being, competitiveness of policies and benefits, confidence in leadership, diversity and inclusion, professional development, and job satisfaction.

The University Police Department

The University of Mississippi Police Department is a state accredited law enforcement agency operating on the Oxford campus.

We continue to create additional positions to accommodate University growth.

Communications Officers are not Police Officers but are known by many other names: Dispatcher, Call-taker, Telecommunicator, First Responder.

We work 8-hour shifts five days a week with set off days.

Shifts are 1st: 7am-3pm, 2nd: 3pm- 11pm, 3rd: 11pm-7am, a 1/2 split (some 1st & some 2nd shift), and a 2/3 split (some 2nd & some 3rd shift)

Weekends/Holidays may be required based on seniority and staffing.

Occasional overtime may be offered or required based on department needs.

We work alongside others in an office type environment.

This position requires a great deal of interaction with the public.

We have an amazing team of dispatchers from different backgrounds whose common thread is the desire to maintain safety and make a difference in the lives of the community members we serve.

Benefits

Communications Officer Starting Pay: $18.64 hourly, $38,771 Yearly

Cost of Living and Merit Raises as Allowed

State Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Insurance

State Retirement (PERS)

Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, Cancer, and Accidental Death Policies Available

Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Time

Free/Discounted Staff/Dependent Tuition

Staff Textbook Scholarship

Discounts on Meals, Golf Course, Recreation Centers, Ford Center, and Athletics Events

Mississippi State Employee Personnel Board Discounts on Restaurants, Retail, Tickets, Travel, etc.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information. For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Facilities Operations

Sub-Family - Safety

Career Track / Level - O1

Grade - 4

Role Summary

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

Desired Skills:

• Reliable
• Quick Thinking
• Expert Multi-tasker
• Calm Under Pressure
• Technologically Savvy
• Superior Customer Service
• Quick, Accurate, and Thorough Documentation
• Clear and Concise Communication
• Strong ethics
• A Desire to Serve the Ole Miss Community

Examples of Work Performed

• 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.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Monitors radio channels and dispatch request lines.
2. Serves as the initial point of contact for requests for emergency service.
3. Evaluate the nature and extent of the emergency and provide guidance as necessary.
4. Manage logs of calls and dispatches and shares information with response team as needed.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: High School or Equivalent

Experience: N/A

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

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.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.