Telecommunication

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Communication

The Communications Division can properly be called the "hub" of the Police Department. The Communications Division is operated 24 hours a day and is where the vast majority of first encounters from the University and general public originated. From 911 emergency calls to general information about the University and surrounding community, The Communications Division does it all. Being fully trained to handle emergency situations and the reporting of criminal activity, the Communications Division tries to courteously handle any situation that might arise.

Mission Statement

To professionally excel in the ability to communicate with the Public, within the Western Kentucky University Police Department, and other agencies by accurately, rapidly, recording and relaying pertinent information. To vigilantly maintain Officer Safety and to prioritize calls for services.

Responsibilities

Communications Officers monitor and prioritize service and information requests from the public, and then dispatch the appropriate units. Communications Officers perform a vital function within the department and require skills and abilities that are unique. At all times, they must have the ability to be calm when talking to emotionally upset or irate individuals or when confronted with life and death situations. communications Officers must listen carefully, while at the same time distinguish between, and monitor, multiple radio transmissions and telephone conversations. They also must have the ability to remember past calls and events and relay correct information to officers in the field. Working under pressure, communications Officers must exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in highly charged emergency situations. In addition, a Telephone Device for the Deft (TDD) is used assist the hearing-impaired callers.

Training

Communications Officers are all state certified dispatches who qualify and train at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond, Kentucky.

Communications Officers also must maintain Mandatory In-Service requirements that consist of 8 hours annually and 16 hours every two years. They are trained to answer emergency and service calls to the University Police Department.

In addition, they must monitor the communications and locations of police officers on two-way radios who may require emergency assistance at any time. communications Officers are trained to perform calmly in a very stressful environment.

 At this time WKU Police Department is NOT accepting applications at this time.
Both Position and Applicant will be available once we do

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