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Police Communications Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tuskegee University

$44K - $57K/yr

... Operator communications activities necessary for providing emergency and non-emergency police ... services. This position receives, prioritizes, and determines the appropriate disposition of ...

Tuskegee University

$44K - $57K/yr

... Operator communications activities necessary for providing emergency and non-emergency police ... services. This position receives, prioritizes, and determines the appropriate disposition of ...

City of Hammond

Police Communications Officer

Hammond, LA · On-site

$29K - $32K/yr

... level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the ... They answer police telephones, dispatch police units, and keep simple records of these activities ...

Towson University

Public Safety Officer

Campus, IL · On-site

In the absence of the Police Communications Operator, staffs the Police Communication Center and may perform basic duties and responsibilities of the Police Communications Operator. * High school ...

City of Hammond

Police Communications Officer

Hammond, LA · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

... level work in operating communications equipment, keeping records, and other duties in the ... They answer police telephones, dispatch police units, and keep simple records of these activities ...

Towson University

Public Safety Officer

Towson, MD · On-site

$40K/yr

In the absence of the Police Communications Operator, staffs the Police Communication Center and may perform basic duties and responsibilities of the Police Communications Operator. Qualifications ...

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Police Communications Operator information

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$33.5K

$55.1K

$72K

How much do police communications operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for police communications operator in the United States is $55,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Police Communications Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPolice Communications OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, communication training, certificationsHigh school diploma, emergency communication training, certifications
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, dispatch centersEmergency call centers, dispatch hubs
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Search & Comparison IntentSimilar roles, communication dutiesEmergency response coordination

Both Police Communications Operators and Emergency Dispatchers handle emergency calls and coordinate responses. While their roles overlap in communication and certification requirements, Police Communications Operators typically work within police stations focusing on law enforcement support, whereas Emergency Dispatchers may serve broader emergency services like fire and medical. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in public safety communication roles.

How does a police communications operator handle high-stress situations, and what support is available?

Police Communications Operators frequently manage urgent and high-pressure scenarios, such as dispatching officers to emergencies or handling multiple calls simultaneously. To navigate these challenges, operators receive extensive training in stress management, effective communication, and crisis protocols. Team members often work closely together in a supportive environment, with supervisors and colleagues providing guidance and backup when necessary. Many agencies also offer access to counseling services and peer support programs to help operators maintain their well-being.

What does a police communications operator do?

As a police communications operator, you manage a police department’s response logistics by answering 911 calls, determining whether or not a situation is an emergency, and functioning as a dispatcher for the department. Most police communications operators categorize and monitor calls, decide which police officers to contact about each issue, and help deliver important information like license plate numbers and warrant statuses. Some duties and responsibilities vary based on the department, but answering phones is a consistent part of this job. Police communications dispatchers are also known as communications officers and 911 dispatchers, but should not be confused with general 911 operators who also work with fire, medical, and other emergency services.

What is a police communications operator?

Police Communications Operators, also known as dispatchers, are professionals responsible for receiving and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for police assistance. They gather critical information from callers, relay details to officers in the field, and coordinate the appropriate response using radio, telephone, and computer systems. These operators play a vital role in public safety by ensuring that help is dispatched quickly and efficiently, often remaining calm under pressure and multitasking in fast-paced environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a police communications operator?

To thrive as a Police Communications Operator, you need strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional specialized training in emergency communications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio equipment, and 911 call handling software is required. Excellent communication, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate, timely dispatching of emergency services and maintaining public safety in high-pressure environments.
More about Police Communications Operator jobs
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Police Communications Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Communications Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,123 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Police Communications Operator - Public Safety

Duquesne University Of The Holy Spirit

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary:                     21.32/hour with a 5% shiftdifferential for afternoon and overnight shifts based on 40 hours per week.
Benefits:                  The University offers generousbenefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employermatching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits foremployees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                  Public Safety
Position Status:        Full-time (40 hours perweek)                                          
Hours:                       Varied
Position Number:      670109/43-017              
FLSA Status:             Non-exempt
POSITIONSUMMARY:
The Police Communications Operator(PCO) serves as the vital link between the University community and the PublicSafety personnel dedicated to their protection. Stationed within the PublicSafety Communications Center, this role requires a professional demeanor,exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to maintain peakeffectiveness in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment. PCOs are responsible formanaging multi-channel communications, including telephone inquiries, radiotransmissions, walk-in requests, and automated computer alerting systems.Success in this role depends on the ability to accurately synthesize and relaycritical information to Public Safety officers and emergency responders withspeed and precision.
Operating under a Community-OrientedPolicing Model, the Department of Public Safety prioritizes safety and crimeprevention through proactive engagement and diverse programming. As a centralfigure in this mission, the PCO must utilize superior communication skills tofoster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment. Administrativeoversight for this position is provided by the Lead Police CommunicationsOperator, with strategic direction from the Director of Emergency Managementand Threat Assessment.
Given the 24/7 nature of operations,candidates must demonstrate complete scheduling flexibility, including theavailability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Beyond standard shifts,the PCO must remain ready for duty recall as operational needs or emergenciesdictate. The physical and mental demands of the position include maintainingsharp focus during high-pressure situations and during prolonged periods ofsitting and intensive screen monitoring.
Accountability,reliability, and consistent attendance are mandatory professional requirementsfor this position.

DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Thislist is neither absolute nor restrictive, but indicates approximate duties andresponsibilities which may be redefined pursuant to operational needs
Emergency Communications: Receives andrecords all incoming radio and telephone transmissions; dispatches UniversityPublic Safety or Facilities personnel for emergency and routine responses usingARMS Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software.
Systems Monitoring: Proficiently operates securityand life-safety systems, including C-CURE Access Control, CCTV cameras, andalarm systems.
Emergency Notification: Activates theOutside Warning System, DU Emergency Alert, and emergency lockdown procedureswhen appropriate.
External Monitoring and Liaison: Monitors City ofPittsburgh Police channels for nearby activity and coordinates with the CityIndex Desk for vehicle and arrest information.
Incident Reporting: Immediately reports securitybreaches, safety concerns, or unusual circumstances to the appropriatesupervisor or administrator.
Additional Duties: Performs related dutiesas assigned.

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