Career Opportunities
See the UT Southwestern Human Resources web site to determine if there are vacancies.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, University Police Department, is a component member of the University of Texas System. The University Police Department has the duty and responsibility of providing law enforcement and security related services on a 24 hours basis to the UT Southwestern community. Services are provided to properties that are owned, leased or otherwise under the control of the UT System and component institution.
The function of the UT System Police Communication Operator is to communicate effectively under any conditions; to coordinate and direct a number of simultaneous activities without confusion; to provide rapid response to law enforcement or any other emergency needs and to protect his/her fellow officers. The operator also assists the public by giving directions, information and other aid as needed.
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Typical Duties
Must be able to:
- Speak clearly and distinctly at all times.
- Read and write effectively.
- Think and act promptly in emergencies, to analyze a situation quickly and accurately and to take or suggest an effective course of action.
- Maintain up-to-date security clearances, directory, room reservations and locator files.
- Operate a police radio.
- Maintain records of incoming calls for assistance; dispatch officers to situations requiring police response.
- Maintain records of all police/patrol activities.
- Monitor CCTV and alarm systems.
- Complete appropriate reports.
- Communicate with other police/fire/ambulance agencies.
- Operate various computer terminals including CAD - "Computer Aided Dispatch" systems.
- Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or designee.
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General Qualifications
Police Communication Operator
- Requires a High School diploma/GED.
- Minimum age of 18.
- Home telephone
- Good physical condition.
- Physical ability to perform assigned duties.
- Basic computer and keyboarding experience.
- Flexibility to work days, evenings or nights. Overtime may be required.
- Pass a criminal history background check.
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Other Related Information
- All successful candidates are required to comply with all UT System Police or departmental policies, procedures, and directives; UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, institutional rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Candidates are required to have the ability, through training, to acquire a knowledge of, and skill in the use of police radio equipment, telephones, various computer equipment (data entry), and typewriters.
- Candidates are required to eventually demonstrate proficiency in all phases of duties performed.
- Continued employment in this position is contingent upon successful completion of a minimum of 40 hours of training for a Police Communications Operator as mandated by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).
- Persons with college credit hours from an accredited college or university that meet established requirements may be eligible to become Police Cadets.
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Shift Assignments
Assignments are subject to change at any time depending on the needs of the department.
- Operators may be assigned to any one of three shifts, working days or nights, with varying days off throughout the week.
- Operators may be required to work overtime assignments.
- Shift assignments or overtime assignments may include working holidays or weekends.
Working Conditions
A general description of the working conditions is noted below but is not limited to the following.
- Indoor assignment - controlled office-like environment. Typically requires sitting for lengthy periods of time.
- Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Answering multi-line telephones.
- Operating police radio with occasional heavy traffic.
- Various computer operations, data entry and record keeping.
- Monitoring/answering parking lot entrance/exit intercom system.
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Uniforms And Equipment
The department issues uniforms and related equipment. The operator will be required to wear the uniform as prescribed by UT System Police and/or departmental policy, rules, regulations or directive.
The new operator, at their own expense, will be required to provide socks and footwear as prescribed by appropriate rules and regulations.
Assignment And Field Training
The new operator will be assigned to a shift and a lead operator. The new operator will then undergo several weeks of training. The lead operator is responsible for orienting and training the new operator on all aspects related to this position. The lead operator also assists the new operator with their training by observing, evaluating and grading their progress on a daily basis.
If the new operator successfully completes the training program, they are then assigned to a shift and placed on regular status.
For further recruiting information:
The University of Texas
Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75390-9027
214- 648-8311
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