Areas
Communications
24 hours a day, 365 days of the year
The University of Georgia Communications Unit is on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Communications officers monitor emergency telephone lines, police and public safety radio frequencies, an emergency Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TTY) telephone line, and a national/state crime computer. Additionally, the Communications Unit provides access control systems to the campus and monitors the National Weather Service Radio—issuing severe weather alerts to over 150 campus locations, when necessary.
The Communications Unit is comprised of the Communications Coordinator, an Assistant Communications Coordinator, and several communications officers. Each communications officer undergoes extensive and continuous training to keep abreast of current technological and emergency communications techniques. This includes 700 hours of basic training and the successful completion of the Georgia Crime Information Center Terminal Operator certification course. Communications staff members also undertake advanced training from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in areas such as: Handling Domestic Violence Calls, Suicide Intervention for Telecommunications Officers, and Hostage Negotiation for Communications Officers.
In 2005, the Communications Unit handled nearly 12,000 calls for service—roughly 384 calls a day. Often the first contact one has with the University Police Department, the Communications Unit endeavors to listen effectively and quickly disseminate information to the appropriate field unit, departmental office, or other public safety agency. While we hope you never find yourself in need of emergency police assistance, our communications officers welcome the opportunity to serve you.