Yale Police Dispatcher

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Overview

Yale Police Dispatchers serve as the primary communications link between the Yale University Police Department (YPD), Public Safety personnel, emergency responders, and the Yale community. The Dispatcher 3 is responsible for receiving, prioritizing, and processing emergency and non-emergency calls for service while coordinating police, fire, emergency medical, and public safety resources. This position oversees and coordinates dispatch and communications activities, monitors and arranges shift activities, and resolves problems by determining the appropriate course of action. Additionally, this position is responsible for serving as a final resource and principal source of information on issues related to computerized equipment and systems.

Working in a 24/7 Public Safety Operations Center, the Dispatcher 3 provides critical support during routine operations, major incidents, and emergencies through the use of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), radio communications, emergency call handling protocols, law enforcement databases, and other public safety technologies.

The Dispatcher 3 must exercise sound judgment, remain calm under pressure, and make independent decisions while maintaining exceptional customer service and professionalism.

Dispatchers are required to successfully complete and maintain all applicable certifications and training. Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation in accordance with state and federal criminal justice standards.

The work schedule includes evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and potentially mandatory overtime. Shift assignments and days off are awarded through a seniority-based bidding process.

This position is represented by Local 34 and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. The principal responsibilities listed are generic in nature.  Please refer to this overview for the responsibilities specific to this role.

Starting hourly rate will be determined based on the market rate, individual’s dispatch experience, certifications, skills and abilities.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Communications & Dispatch
Oversee and coordinate dispatch communications activities (receiving, prioritizing, and coordinating emergency and non-emergency requests) for police, fire, EMS, and public safety services.

Officer & Public Safety Support
Monitor officer status, coordinate emergency response resources, and maintain situational awareness to support officer safety and campus security.

Information Management & Criminal Justice Systems
Accurately document calls for service, maintain incident records, and access criminal justice information systems in compliance with CJIS requirements.

Emergency Management & Incident Coordination

Support emergency operations during major incidents, planned and unplanned events, severe weather, and other campus emergencies by coordinating communications, tracking resources, and maintaining situational awareness.

Interagency Coordination & Customer Service
Serve as the primary communications link between Yale Police, New Haven Police, Public Safety personnel, municipal emergency responders, and the Yale community by providing professional, timely, and effective communications during routine and emergency operations.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), COLLECT/NCIC, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Law Enforcement Dispatch (LED), and other public safety communications systems.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, prioritize competing demands, and remain composed in an emergency communications environment.
• Ability to gather, assess, prioritize, and relay critical information accurately to police officers, emergency responders, and other personnel.
• Ability to maintain situational awareness while simultaneously operating multiple computer systems, telephones, radios, and communication technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, or behavioral health emergencies using de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques
• Proficiency with emergency communications technology, including multi-channel radio systems, telephone systems, CCTV, records management systems, and other dispatch-related software.
• Ability to accurately enter and retrieve information while managing multiple emergency communications simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime to include mandates.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with police officers, public safety personnel, and emergency responders.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must possess and maintain the following:

• Connecticut Certified Telecommunicator certification or equivalent.
• Twelve months experience as a police, fire, EMS, campus public safety, or public safety communications dispatcher.
• Experience using Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems.
• Experience utilizing NCIC and/or COLLECT systems.
• Experience providing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) or Law Enforcement Dispatch protocols.
• Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) Security Awareness Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Communications Training Officer (CTO) experience.
• Training or experience in telecommunicator crisis intervention, crisis response, and/or de-escalation techniques
• CPR/AED certification
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS).

• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are a plus.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Monitors and arranges shift activities according to schedule requirements, priorities, special instructions and resource availability. 2. Establishes and coordinates work schedules and shift assignments. Makes necessary changes to schedules. Reviews, coordinates and authorizes requests for time off. Determines overtime requirements and schedules appropriate staff. 3. Serves as final resource to dispatch staff on problems and issues related to computerized equipment and systems, complicated dispatch issues and emergency situations. Resolves problems and determines the appropriate course of action. 4. Dispatches the patrol officers and detectives in response to calls and emergencies. Relays instructions, orders and information requiring knowledge of department policies, practices, procedures and reporting relationships. 5. Receives, records and services all incoming calls from officers, staff, students and the public, calling for police assistance or general information. Secures information from callers and dispatched officers. Coordinates response to calls by officers during high volume periods or in cases of reduced staff. 6. Monitors and responds to fire and security alarm systems and to emergency calls. Provides information to faculty, staff, students and the public. Issues keys and equipment. 7. Serves as principle source of information on computer assisted dispatch systems. Uses computer-aided dispatching equipment to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. Maintains various documents related to police and security activities. 8. Performs clerical functions incidental to office activities. Required Education and Experience Five years of related work experience and a high school level education; or three years of related work experience and an Associate’s degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Job Posting Date

11/25/2026

Job Category

Administrative Support

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade D

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$31.83

Benefits

A general description of the benefits to be offered with this Clerical and Technical position is available at:

Yale Benefits

Time Type

Full time

Duration Type

Staff

Work Model

On-site

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

The hiring rate of a role is determined in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.