Communications Operator - Police Communications Center
Location: Washington, DC
Job Number: JR22477
Closing Date: September 25, 2025
The Communications Operator is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls for service, dispatching these calls, initiating EMS responses, monitoring alarm systems, and working the customer service desk along with staff at the Georgetown University Police Communications Center. The incumbent for this position answers calls from the public regarding all types of emergencies, ranging from crimes being committed to various kinds of university community needs. Communications Specialists are CPR, NCIC, APCO, and Public Safety Telecommunicator certified through APCO, and Incident Command certified through FEMA, at a minimum. Working shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays, additional duties include, but are not limited to
- Use significant knowledge, skill, and abilities in responding to citizens’ needs and the dispatching of police officers in calls for service.
- Work in a fast paced, time critical, stressful and demanding environment, using good communication skills, the ability to multi-task, and resource management skills.
- Work alone or be partnered with another Communications Officer or Specialist with little supervision when needed.
- When dealing with callers, remain calm and collected while displaying good communications skills.
- Prioritize calls, depending on the level of emergency.
- Assist in tasks that include but are not limited to training new communications center staff.
- Perform miscellaneous clerical tasks such as updating and maintaining department records
- Maintain required APCO certifications and current knowledge of police and communications methods and practices
- May represent the Police Department by participating in various committees
Work Interactions
The Communications Specialist works in the Police Department 24/7 public safety answering point (PSAP) and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security, and law enforcement operations in accordance with existing university, state and federal guidelines. Duties include answering emergency telephone lines, dispatching police officers, monitoring the university fire alarm system, monitoring the university closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system, and providing information and customer service to the university community via both telephone and a walk-up window. This position reports to the Police Communications Supervisor. This person works independently with general supervision. The incumbent works with other patrol officers, security officers, and student guards.
