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Police Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

City of Elmhurst

Police Clerk

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

Flexible, with operating hours generally between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Location: Elmhurst Police Department Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience. Why Join MGT? At MGT, we help ...

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Chicago State University

Officer, Police

Chicago, IL · On-site

Police officers are, at a minimum, required to provide first responder aid as emergency medical ... Operating and maintaining department equipment in accordance with agency policy and procedures ...

CSU

Police Officer

Campus, IL

Follow CSUPD on Instagram and CSU Police Department on Facebook Position Location Main Campus FTE 1.0 Job Summary Independently performs duties of certified peace officer using standard operating ...

Bradley University

Police Dispatcher

Peoria, IL · On-site

$23.25/hr

Experience as a telephone operator or police dispatcher preferred. Mental/Physical Requirements: Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions ...

Simmons University

Police Officer Candidate

Campus, IL · On-site

Police Officer Candidates will assist in providing a safe and secure community with the highest ... Must have a valid Class D operator's license at the time of appointment; * Must possess or be able ...

Harper College

Police Officer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

... operating condition. * Determines content for various public safety programs such as crime ... The Police Officer is directly supervised by Deputy Chief and Chief of Police, Harper College ...

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

Police Officer

Rockford, IL

$33.41/hr

Follows standard operating procedures, looks for law /ordinance violations in parks while ... Provides police presence for safety and security at park district events and functions. * Performs ...

City of Geneva, IL

Lateral-Entry Police Officer

Geneva, IL · On-site

$88K - $125K/yr

Geneva, Police Department Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 00003 Department: Police Department ... Wide variety of specialty assignments including SWAT Operator, multi-jurisdictional major crimes ...

Williammary

Police Officer I/II

Campus, IL · On-site

Valid Division of Motor Vehicles operator's license. * Ability to obtain and maintain certification inCPRand First Aid. * Must be 21 years of age and a U.S. Citizen. Required for Police Officer II: ...

Rockford Park District

Police Officer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$33.41 - $48.08/hr

Follows standard operating procedures, looks for law /ordinance violations in parks while ... Provides police presence for safety and security at park district events and functions. * Performs ...

Svsu

Chief of University Police

Campus, IL · On-site

Job Title: Chief of University Police Full or Part Time: Full time Hours: 40 Exempt: Yes ... Develops, implements, and administers the department's operating budget, ensuring the strategic ...

City of Rock Island

Police Officer

Rock Island, IL

$67K - $82K/yr

Requires possession of a valid Class D Illinois Vehicle Operator's License as defined in the 1993 ... of Police Officer. Requires the ability to tolerate extremes of weather, as well as perform ...

City of Rock Island, IL

Police Officer

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$67K - $82K/yr

Police-1212 5th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201, IL Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2022-00891 ... Requires possession of a valid Class D Illinois Vehicle Operator's License as defined in the 1993 ...

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All JobsPolice Operator JobsPolice Operator Jobs in Illinois

Police Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$32.5K

$53.4K

$69.8K

How much do police operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for police operator in Illinois is $53,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $60,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police operator?

Police operators, often referred to as police dispatchers or emergency dispatchers, are responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering information from callers, and coordinating the appropriate response by dispatching police officers or other emergency services. They play a critical role in ensuring public safety by remaining calm under pressure, accurately relaying information, and prioritizing calls based on urgency. Police operators also use specialized communication systems and databases to assist both callers and officers in the field.

What challenges do police operators face during high-pressure situations?

Police Operators often encounter high-pressure situations, such as handling multiple emergency calls simultaneously or dealing with distressed callers. The ability to remain calm, prioritize effectively, and communicate clearly is essential. Operators must quickly relay accurate information to officers in the field while maintaining professionalism and composure. Continuous training, teamwork, and support from supervisors help manage the stress and ensure effective response to emergencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a police operator?

To thrive as a Police Operator, you need strong communication abilities, quick decision-making skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some agencies requiring additional training or certifications. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communications equipment, and emergency response protocols is typically expected. Excellent multitasking, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial for accurately relaying information, ensuring public safety, and supporting law enforcement personnel during high-stress situations.

How to become a police operator?

To become a police operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass a written exam and background check, and complete a training program at a police academy. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle stressful situations, and proficiency with radio and computer systems are also important requirements.

What is the difference between Police Operator vs Emergency Dispatcher?

AspectPolice OperatorEmergency Dispatcher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in communication protocolsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification in emergency communication
Work EnvironmentPolice dispatch centers, emergency call centersEmergency response centers, 911 call centers
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agenciesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Operators and Emergency Dispatchers often perform similar roles in emergency communication. While both require communication skills and work in emergency call centers, Police Operators typically focus on police-related calls, whereas Emergency Dispatchers handle a broader range of emergencies including fire and medical services. The roles are closely related, with overlapping skills and work environments, but differ in scope and specific responsibilities.

Police Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Operator job openings in Illinois 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 $53,416 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Police Communications Operator

Towson University

Campus, IL

$46K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Towson University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

  • Answers emergency and non-emergency telephones and police radios.
  • Provides radio communications for University Police officers and Public Safety Officers on campus.
  • Initiates and receives information and request for services from allied law enforcement agencies.
  • Monitors/reacts to thirty additional telephone lines connected to the campus emergency telephone system.
  • Receives and records information and request for police services in-person and via telephone reporting of criminal offenses and accidents. 
  • Initiates and receives telephonic communications with local police departments and emergency centers via dedicated cable for relaying referral police, medical and other emergency information.
  • Monitors and maintains radio communications with campus departments which work in cooperation with University Police to ensure mutual support is provided and to maintain public safety and protection of University property.
  • Operates various computer terminal/equipment internal to the operations of the department and equipment leased from external agencies. 

This position is classified as ESSENTIAL personnel and candidates will be required to work various shifts including weekends and holidays

  • High School diploma or equivalent and 2 years of clerical or related experience, such as dispatching or emergency communications.
  • Candidate must possess basic computer skills and experience working with windows-based communications systems and alarm systems.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

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