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Police Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

City of McHenry, IL

Police Officer - Lateral

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$75K - $116K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 10/28/2025 The McHenry Police Department is seeking qualified ... Breath Operator Certification; C.P.R.; Evidence Technician; Accident Investigator; Juvenile Law;

City of McHenry (IL)

Police Officer - Lateral

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$75K - $116K/yr

Breath Operator Certification; C.P.R.; Evidence Technician; Accident Investigator; Juvenile Law ... Police Commission Interview: Applicants selected for further consideration will be invited to a ...

Nsu

POLICE SERGEANT

Campus, IL

$66K/yr

Reporting directly to, and under the direction of the Police Lieutenant, incumbent: * To direct and ... The ability to operate/drive a motor vehicle with a valid operator license. * Ability to receive ...

Elk Grove

Police Records Technician

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$56K - $80K/yr

The Police Records Technician ensures that prompt and accurate office assistance is provided to the ... Enters and modifies records in the computerized records management system operating the Law ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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.

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 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.

How hard is it to get a police operator job?

Becoming a police operator typically requires meeting minimum age and education requirements, passing written and psychological tests, and completing training at a police academy. The hiring process can be competitive, and candidates often need strong communication skills and the ability to handle stressful 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.
Police Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 56% 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.

Part Time Police Officer

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Salary: $25.00 Hourly
Location : 3700 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL
Job Type: Part-Time Staff
Job Number: 01432
Department: Public Safety
Opening Date: 02/11/2026
Summary
Reporting to the Chief of SXU Police, University Police Officers preserve and protect life and property owned or governed by the University. Perform effectively as a Public Safety Officer and executes public safety-related duties in accordance with city, state, federal, and university regulations. Remain abreast of public safety trends to enhance public safety skills and perform other duties necessary to ensure crime prevention of the university. Officers are expected to approach safety with effective communication to all campus partners, engage positively with members of our diverse community, and work as a team to secure and support the 24-hour campus operation. Provide routine patrol of both on-campus and off-campus University properties. Provide safety services for special events. Perform all duties in support of the University's mission, understanding that the positive and effective execution of these duties are instrumental to the education of the University's students. University police also serve as a member of the Student Life team who are committed to creating a campus community where all feel welcomed, supported, and safe.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform vehicular and foot patrols of campus conducting routine surveillance of persons and surroundings.
  • Respond to routine complaints and calls for service from students, faculty, staff and visitors in a timely and professional manner. Conduct thorough and detailed preliminary investigations of all reported incidents on campus by interviewing complainants, victims and/or witnesses at the scene of a crime or incident to gather relevant information. Write reports in narrative form describing events, activities, investigation or enforcement action taken. Handle highly sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Establish a visible public safety presence, detecting situations requiring public safety assistance and rendering assistance as necessary and appropriate.
  • Preserve and protect at all times, University property from theft, vandalism and other mishandling; safeguard University personnel and other persons as well as their property on campus.
  • Partner with students, student groups, and various University departments and act as University ambassadors to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
  • Act as armed first responder to all emergencies on campus to protect life and property; including but not limited to, disruptive and/or disorderly incidents, various medical situations, and/or fires in an effort to restore and maintain order as well as ensure University cooperation with civil agencies.
  • Respond to all reported disturbances, emergencies, and suspicious circumstances in the residence halls. Assist Student Life Professional Staff with uncooperative or confrontational residents and unregistered guests. Assist housing staff with enforcement of housing policies. Seize and inventory contraband.
  • Assure that order is maintained at University events. Responds to complaints of disturbances or disorderly behavior, taking action as necessary and appropriate.
  • Inspect, maintain and secure all assigned and departmental issued equipment to ensure effective operating conditions are maintained. Adhere to all procedures for the safe handling of firearms.
  • Review and record pertinent information at roll call and prepare appropriate pass down information to ensure thorough communication across the department.
  • Attend mandatory quarterly and annual certification courses as required to maintain valid qualifications. Actively participates in continuing education or in-service programs. Maintain public safety related skills and abilities at an acceptable level. Provides field training to new recruits.
  • Support community education initiatives through crime prevention and safety presentations.
  • Work collaboratively and maintain effective liaison with local outside law enforcement agencies.
  • Provide building security assuming responsibility for building access, locking and unlocking doors as necessary and appropriate.
  • Provides traffic and parking enforcement duties on campus to ensure the safety of our students, staff, faculty and visitors. Assists motorists with disabled vehicles as necessary and appropriate.
  • Complete specialty tasks as assigned.

Qualifications
  • One of the following: (1) Bachelors degree; (2) Associates degree in Criminal Justice, or; (3) High school diploma with a specific related experience including public safety/civilian/military/police experience.
  • Certified Basic Law Enforcement Officer, in good standing, in the state of Illinois with 3-5 years of experience (within in the last 3 years) as a sworn officer in public safety or police agency required.
  • Previous experience in law enforcement, preferably in a college or university environment.
  • Must be eligible for, or possess, a valid Driver's License and Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card.
  • Experience with software systems to manage video surveillance and/or access control preferred.
  • Bilingual preferred.

Additional Expectations:
  • Ability to run, walk, stand for long periods of time; climb, stoop, lift and carry equipment and or injured individuals.
  • Work includes considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as severe weather/ temperatures and loud noises.
  • Work environment involves moderate exposure to hazards and physical risks to personal safety; must be physically fit and able to defend community members and one's self from physical assault.

Additional Expectations
We inspire success by working together to provide meaningful, personalized service in a spirit of excellence. SXU seeks candidates that deliver value-added services in a responsive, collaborative, effective, and respectful manner.
The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from individuals with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Saint Xavier University affirms its position as a Catholic institution, inspired by the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, and asserts its rights to employ persons who subscribe to the mission, vision and core values of the University.
Saint Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity Employer that makes all decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotions and all other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status or other factors protected by law. Hiring decisions will be based on the bona fide occupational qualifications of each applicant.
Saint Xavier University is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive benefits package that meets the needs of both the individual and his/her family. Many of the benefits are flexible and offer choices to meet various benefit needs. SXU employment benefits can be found

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