Police Communication Specialist Job at University of South Florida in Tampa

Overview

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Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the field positions/activities of Law Enforcement Officers, Investigators, and non-sworn officers; dispatch officers in an efficient manner to emergency and service calls and coordinate other non-university emergency response services (Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Department).
• Input and transmit call information, check driver's licenses records, vehicle registrations, warrants, criminal histories, and missing person lists using a computer terminal.
• Monitor and dispatch Parking Services Specialist via radio and phone; verify vehicle information to determine whether to boot or unboots vehicles; enter boot information into Flex.
• Receive and dispatch all motorist assist calls to the field.
• Receive and dispatch reserved space dispute calls and dispatch as necessary.
• Operate/monitor at a high level of proficiency 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.
• Monitor and dispatch security officers to respond to card access calls, motorist assist calls, respond to emergency and non-emergency calls via radio and phone, and determine required response from law enforcement and/or security services.
• Receive open door requests from faculty and staff and dispatch as necessary.
• Assist with weekend calendar of events schedules and dispatch as needed.
• Coordinate patrollers as needed in emergency situations.
• Dispatch escort requests from various entities on campus.
• Monitor university alarm system and notify appropriate personnel upon activation.
• Review, evaluate and disseminate criminal activity/confidential information to those who have a need to know on a 24-hour basis and provide information/assistance to members of the public who visit the front desk of the University Police Department.
• Enter communications, routine calls, officer activity, and other pertinent non-criminal information into Computer Aided Dispatch for use in evaluating all law enforcement, parking enforcement, and security officers' field activities.
• Assist the Communication Supervisor in the field training of new dispatchers.
• Marginal Functions include: assist in running information for various sections of the agency for investigative purposes (Detectives, officers); monitor other agency and university department channels when necessary; monitor 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

About Us

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 insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Additional Information

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries: Higher Education

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