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 2 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 relays and secures information as well as monitors and responds to alarm systems and emergency calls. Additionally, this position is responsible for maintaining documentation and generating reports.

Working in a 24/7 Public Safety Operations Center, the Dispatcher 2 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.

Yale is seeking candidates who possess the core skills, judgment, communication abilities, and aptitude to succeed in this role. While previous dispatch or public safety experience is valued, candidates who demonstrate the ability to learn quickly, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and perform effectively under pressure are encouraged to apply. Comprehensive on-the-job training is provided to develop proficiency in Yale's systems, procedures, and operational protocols.

Successful dispatchers exercise sound judgment, remain calm in high-pressure situations, communicate clearly and professionally, and make timely decisions while delivering exceptional customer service to the Yale community. Dispatchers are required to successfully complete and maintain all required certifications and training.

This position requires working a 24-hour, 7-day operation, including 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.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency Communications & Dispatch
Receive, prioritize, and coordinates resources in response to 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

Successful candidates are not expected to have prior dispatch experience but should demonstrate the aptitude and willingness to learn.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly, calmly, and professionally in stressful situations.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure while making sound decisions and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Ability to gather, assess, organize, and accurately relay critical information.
• Demonstrated customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact respectfully with diverse populations.
• Ability to learn and effectively use Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management Systems (RMS), emergency telephone systems, multi-channel radio systems, law enforcement databases, and other public safety communication technologies.
• Ability to successfully learn and maintain required certifications, including COLLECT/NCIC, Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Law Enforcement Dispatch (LED), and other required public safety communications certifications.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment while simultaneously operating multiple computer applications, telephones, radios, and communication systems.
• Ability to accurately enter, retrieve, and maintain information while managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, emotional distress, or behavioral health emergencies and successfully apply department training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, mandatory overtime, and emergency staffing assignments.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while providing professional support to police officers, emergency responders, university personnel, and members of the Yale community.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and three years of related work experience; or an associate's degree and two years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Related experience may include customer service, call center operations, emergency services, healthcare, public safety, military, security, hospitality, transportation, communications, or other fast-paced environments requiring multitasking, sound judgment, and effective communication.
• Ability to successfully complete all required dispatcher training, certifications, and probationary requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in customer service, communications, dispatching, public safety, emergency services, healthcare, military, security, transportation, or other fast-paced environments requiring multitasking and decision-making.
• Experience using multiple computer systems and applications simultaneously while providing customer service or coordinating information.
• CPR/AED certification.
• Familiarity with public safety communications, emergency response, or emergency management principles.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS).
• Training or experience in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, de-escalation, or behavioral health response.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are a plus.

Principal Responsibilities

1.  Relays instructions, orders and information requiring knowledge of departmental policies, practices, procedures and reporting relationships.  2.  Receives, records and services all incoming calls from officers, staff, students and the public, calling for police, medical and fire assistance or general information. Secures information from callers and dispatched officers.  3.  Uses computer-aided dispatching software to input and retrieve data and to generate reports. Maintains various documents related to police and security activities. 4.  Keeps abreast of activities within the community.  5.  Establishes a working relationship with the New Haven Police Department.  6.  Monitors computer-assisted systems, generates and distributes reports. 7.  Coordinates vendor maintenance and support services for equipment.  8.  Performs clerical functions incidental to office activities. Required Education and Experience Three years of related work experience and a high school level education; or two years of related work experience and an Associate's degree; or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Required License(s) or Certification(s) Required License(s) or Certification(s):

Job Posting Date

11/25/2026

Job Category

Administrative Support

Bargaining Unit

L34

Compensation Grade

Labor Grade C

Compensation Grade Profile

Hourly Range

$28.43

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.