Communications Unit
The Communications Unit is staffed by Police Communications Operators (PCO) that are certified by the State of Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. All PCOs are cross-trained as call-takers and dispatchers responsible for supporting, mobilizing, and managing law enforcement officers and other public safety resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Call-takers’ primary responsibilities are answering and screening law, fire, medical or other emergency calls for services, recording essential information into a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and transmitting information to a dispatcher. Dispatchers’ primary responsibilities are to assign first responders to reported calls for service disseminating pertinent information and instructions to the closest resources. Additionally, The Communications Unit monitors all fire and security alarms, as well as emergency blue phones. Law enforcement resources are tracked and managed by utilizing an 800-megahertz trunked radio system to communicate with members of FAMU DCSS and other local law enforcement agencies.