Police Dispatch

The University of Nebraska Lincoln Police Department (UNLPD) relies on dispatchers as a vital link for campus operations. These individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the university community, both on and off campus.

The dispatch team is typically responsible for managing all emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance directed to the department. This involves coordinating communication with officers in the field, maintaining essential records and lost and found items, and providing support and assistance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Dispatchers are expected to work a set of 8, 10 or 12-hour shift and maintain composure and professionalism, particularly when handling high-pressure situations. The ability to multitask effectively while delivering excellent service is highly valued.

The day for a UNLPD dispatcher often begins with a briefing and logging into multiple investigative systems, ensuring they're ready to handle incoming calls via phone and radio. Throughout their shift, they'll continuously monitor emergency and non-emergency lines, calmly gathering crucial information from callers in distress or those needing assistance. Simultaneously, they'll coordinate the appropriate response by dispatching officers to various locations on campus, utilizing technology to gather investigative information, maintaining real-time awareness of officer locations and the status of incidents. They'll also responsible for accurately documenting all calls and radio traffic, managing police records, and potentially assisting individuals who come into the department. The constant need to multitask, prioritize, and maintain composure while providing clear and concise communication defines a typical day. Dispatchers complete their daily tasks as they contribute to a vital role in the safety and security of the university community.

Applicants need no prior dispatch experience. Expertise in handling multi-faceted situations such as food and beverage service or video gaming might make you the perfect fit for this job! Dispatchers receive robust, paid training and are qualified for university benefits. This is a competitive and rewarding field that allows individuals to directly assist the needs of the University community—all while developing skills as a public safety professional within emergency communications.