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Police Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Towson University

Police Communications Operator

Campus, IL · On-site

$46K - $60K/yr

* 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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 12, 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 51% Full Time, 47% 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 - TRAINER

City of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

BID ANNOUNCEMENT
Police Communications Operator - Trainer
Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
Number of Positions: 13
(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $74,520 annually
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 0 8/24/2026
These positions are covered under the City's collective bargaining agreement with PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES UNION I.B.E.W. LOCAL 21 BARGAINING UNIT 02, (BU 02). Only employees in City job titles in this bargaining unit are eligible to bid on this position.
BID INSTRUCTIONS: Apply on the bid site: https://chicago.taleo.net/careersection/103/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en AND
1. Check the box on your profile titled "Currently employed by the City of Chicago"
2. Enter your employee ID (located on your pay stub labeled 'payee/employee number')
3. Select your correct bargaining unit
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN A REJECTED BID APPLICATION
Under general supervision, coordinates activities and conducts training for Police Communications Operator II (PCO II) staff working at the 9-1-1 emergency communications dispatch center, and performs related duties as required
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Functions as the on-the-job trainer for newly hired and promoted Police Communications Operator II staff
• Conducts on-the-job training for new and promoted dispatching personnel
• Works with trainees on the proper techniques and equipment utilized in emergency
management call taking (e.g., codes, phone and radio etiquette, use of Computer Aided Dispatching system)
• Works with trainees on identifying potential threats, risks, and hazards identified through the dispatching of calls
• Works with trainees on dispatching techniques, event prioritization to manage police resources, tracking of field personnel utilizing GPS equipment, and managing the assignment of dispatched assignments
• Works with trainees on developing skills necessary for working in a fast-paced communications operations work environment
• Observes and evaluates the performance of personnel assigned to the on-the-job training program to ensure proper emergency operation procedures are followed
• Creates training records for on-the-job training for new and promoted dispatching personnel
• When not performing on-the-job training as the primary job responsibility, will perform Police Communications Operator I and II duties on the Operations floor.
• Maintains proficiency in job functions performed by Police Communications Operator I and II
Additional duties may be required for this position
Location: Office of Emergency Management and Communications
Division: Police Dispatch
Address: 1411 West Madison Street
Days Off: Rotating
Watch: Various (1st, 2nd & 3rd Watch)
Hours/Shifts: 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.; 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
*Employees are required to report half an hour before shift/Watch start for roll call
NOTE: MAY REQUIRE OVERTIME
NOTE: Employees are required to work on weekends and holidays
NOTE: Employees may be assigned to another watch for the purpose of providing training
THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, and Experience
• High School Diploma or equivalence certificate (GED), plus three (3) years of work experience dispatching emergency calls for the City of Chicago
Licensure, Certification, or Other Qualifications
• LEADS certification is required
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview. The interviewed Bidders who possess the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be selected in SENIORITY order and according to the CBA rules.
For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html
For Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/Classification_and_Pay_Plan_2026.pdf
Application Evaluation: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an eligibility list in lottery order. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor

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