Police Dispatcher

Posting Summary Logo:

Posting Number:
STA00376PO26

Job Family:
Law Enforcement and Emergency Management

Job Function:
Security Operations Center

USC Market Title:
Security Operations Center Specialist

Link to USC Market Title:

Job Level:
T1 - Technical Support

Business Title (Internal Title):
Police Dispatcher

Campus:
Columbia

Work County:
Richland

College/Division:
Division of Law Enforcement and Safety

Department:
DAF University Police Department

State Pay Range:
G08

USC Market Range:
MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653

Anticipated Hiring Range:
$52,445-$58,4000 (With supplemental pay for shift work and depending on educational level)

Location of Vacancy:

Part/Full Time:
Full Time

Hours per Week:
40

Work Schedule:

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule (days/nights, weekends, holidays) to meet the needs of the department.
• Involves shiftwork, working 12-hour shifts, with every other weekend off.
• Dayshift runs 6:30am to 6:30pm and nightshift runs 6:30pm to 6:30am.

Basis :
12 months

Job Search Category:
Law Enforcement

About USC About University of South Carolina:
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelors degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement:
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description Advertised Job Summary:
The Police Dispatcher assists with the activities of the security operations center for the University of South Carolinas Division of Law Enforcement and Safety. In addition to receiving 9-1-1 calls in the security operations center and handling the dispatching of police resources to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, the police dispatcher also plays an integral role in providing real-time investigative and logistical support to law enforcement officers that are responding to in-progress crimes and other incidents. Additionally, the police dispatcher monitors an array of on-campus alarm systems and determines the appropriate response to alarm activations. Exercising high levels of attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality, the police dispatcher utilizes a variety of law enforcement-sensitive communications systems and databases in a timely manner.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• High School diploma and I year of related experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials:

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of keyboarding and be accurate in communicating electronically.

Job Duties Job Duty:
Receives, evaluates and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls (including other law enforcement agencies) from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services. Communicates effectively with various callers in order to obtain pertinent information and assesses the nature of the call and appropriate call response. Answers routine inquiries and refers calls not requiring dispatch to appropriate departments.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Job Duty:
Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems. Dispatches proper personnel via radio in accordance with established procedures. Monitors and coordinates police field unit activity to include maintaining radio contact with all units on assignment and updating status and location of police units as necessary.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Job Duty:
Monitors fire, burglar, water, temperature, and door prop alarm signals. Monitors video systems for suspicious activity and if necessary, dispatches accordingly. Receives calls from University emergency call boxes as well as activations from Rave Guardian App.

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Job Duty:
Inputs, updates, requests, transmits and queries information from a variety of sources to include CAD and alarm systems, university databases, and NCIC .

Essential Function:
Yes

Percentage of Time:
25

Position Attributes Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive:
Yes

Hazardous weather category:
Essential

Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies:
1

Desired Start Date:
07/09/2026

Job Open Date:
05/26/2026

Job Close Date:
07/09/2026

Open Until Filled:
No

Special Instructions to Applicant:
ANNUAL COMPENSATION / HIRING PROCESS

$52,445-$58,400 (With supplemental pay for shift work and depending on educational level)

PLUS Annual Step Salary Increases

PLUS Benefits such as USC Tuition Assistance, Gym Membership, State Health Insurance, State
Retirement, 15 Days of Annual Leave/15 Days of Sick Leave per Year, and Permanent Shifts (Days or Nights).

Our hiring process is thorough and may take 8 to 12 weeks. Applicants not selected for employment are notified in writing and are eligible to reapply for subsequent postings. The steps are:

1. Application All entry-level positions at the Division will be posted on the Universitys jobs website at All applicants must submit their applications through this website.

2. Application Review The Division reviews applications based on applicants qualifications.

3. Personal History Questionnaire ( PHQ ) - Applicants will be sent an email with login information to complete the PHQ , an online employment evaluation tool for public safety agencies.

4. Skills Assessment Applicants will be sent an email with login information to complete an online skills assessment to evaluate an applicants ability to perform duties relevant to the position.

5. Initial Interview - After PHQ completion, selected applicants will be scheduled for an interview.

6. Polygraph Examination Applicants will be scheduled for a pre-employment polygraph examination. Applicants will be provided with the topical areas prior to taking the examination.

7. Background Investigation Applicants will have a background investigation conducted by the Division.

8. Psychological Examination Applicants will be scheduled for a psychological examination.

9. Command Staff Interview Applicants will have an interview with the Divisions Command Staff.

10. Chief of Police Interview Applicants will have a final interview with the Chief of Police.

11. Offer of Employment After the interview, any offer of employment will be made with a start date.

12. Post-Offer Medical Evaluation/Drug Test Applicants will be scheduled for a medical evaluation/drug test.

Additional Benefits:

• Dependent Scholarships
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by July 9, 2026.

Click here to learn more about why you should work at UofSC.

Quicklink for Posting:

EEO Statement:
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV /AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.