Police Communication Specialist

Job Title

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.

Job Description

The University of South Florida Police Department (USFPD) is a full service law enforcement agency dedicated to providing a safe environment for and in partnership with the community, while remaining committed to assisting with personal and professional development of department members, and to the principle of being community minded and service driven.

USFPD is organized into various bureaus, divisions, sections, squads, and units. The department is led by a command staff comprised of sworn and non-sworn members of the rank of captain and higher, a communications and records manager, and public information representative; all of whom report to the chief of police through an established chain-of-command.

The Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Patrol Division and the Community Service Officer Program. The Patrol Division is further broken down into four squads which provide direct law enforcement services to the community. The Special Operations Bureau is commanded by a captain who oversees the Special Operations Division which includes the K9 section, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, and Crime Prevention; all of which are led by sergeants. The Administration Bureau captain also oversees the Support Services Division. The Support Services Division includes the Professional Standards and Information Technology Sections. The accreditation, training and background investigation units fall within the Professional Standards Section which is managed by a sergeant. The Communications & Records Division reports to a non-sworn manager.

Responsibilities

Responsible for monitoring the field positions/activities of Law Enforcement Officers, Investigators, and non-sworn officers; dispatching officers in an efficient manner to emergency and service calls and coordinating other non-university emergency response services. (Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire Department). Inputs and transmits call information, checks driver's licenses records, vehicle registrations, warrants, criminal histories, and missing person lists using computer terminal. Monitors and dispatches Parking Services Specialist via radio and phone, verifies vehicle information to determine whether to boot or unboots vehicles, enters boot information into Flex. Receives and dispatches all motorist assist calls to the field. Receives and dispatches reserved space dispute calls and dispatches, as necessary.

Operates/monitors at a high level of proficiency the 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. Monitors and dispatches security officers to respond to card access calls, motorist assist calls, responds to emergency and non-emergency calls via radio and phone and determines response needed from law enforcement and/or security services. Receives open door requests from faculty and staff and dispatches as necessary. Assists with weekend calendar of events schedules and dispatches, as needed. Coordinates patrollers as needed in emergency situations. Dispatches escort requests from various entities on campus. Monitors university alarm system and notifies appropriate personnel upon activation.

Reviews, evaluates and disseminates criminal activity/confidential information to those who have a need to know on a 24-hour basis and provides information/assistance to members of the public who visit the front desk of the University Police Department.

Enters communication, routine calls, officer's activity and other pertinent non-criminal information into Computer Aided Dispatch for use in evaluating all law enforcement, parking enforcement, and security officers security field activities. Assists the Communication Supervisor in the field training of new dispatchers.

*Marginal Functions include: Assists in running information for various sections of the agency for investigative purposes (Detectives, officers), monitors other agency and university department channels when necessary. Monitors 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. Proficiency in typing and State certification on the NCIC/FCIC computer system may be required.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS:

Legal, Licensure, & USF Requirements: Employees in this classification are required to maintain all mandatory job-related certifications.

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), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. 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

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:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

University of South Florida