Communications Officer

Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States

About the role

Operates the Communications Center, which serves as the main communications point for the University Police Department, staffed and operating 24 hours a day. UPD communications serves all USM campuses, including Hattiesburg, Gulf Park, GCRL, and Cedar Point.

Responsibilities

• Answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls and coordinates the response of law enforcement officers to crime and accident scenes.
• Uses two-way radio systems to transmit details to officers and coordinates with other emergency personnel, such as firefighters and paramedics, for response to calls as needed.
• Prioritizes calls and requests for service using experience and discretion, then dispatches these calls to the appropriate officers and other personnel using the Automated Record Management System (ARMS).
• Monitors NCIC (National Crime Information Center) transmissions and messages.
• Monitors campus emergency telephones located throughout the campuses.
• Communicates with and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies as needed.
• Monitors the university’s alarm systems, acknowledging, dispatching appropriate personnel, and resetting fire alarms, burglar alarms, duress alarms, and general trouble alarms.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
• Basic knowledge and skill within Windows-based computers and law enforcement-related software applications, including Microsoft Office, email, and search engines.
• Ability to use a personal computer, police radio, and basic office equipment.
• Ability to manage police communication responses to critical incidents such as fires, violent crimes, and other emergencies.
• Ability to concentrate and multi-task during periods of high-intensity activity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate Degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year of related experience in dispatch or law enforcement, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Professional Certificate from the Board of Emergency Telecommunications Standards and Training.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in disciplines such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields leading in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders while responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing.

With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.