Communications Unit

Dispatcher with headset sitting in front of a row of computer monitors

Communications

The Communications section provides emergency communication coordination for all entities within the university that maintain two-way radio systems, as well as connectivity to those external agencies that provide emergency response.

In addition, the Communications section acts as the central repository for crime reporting, associated statistical data and criminal history reporting systems.

The Communications Center (Dispatch)

The Communications Center provides emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatching services for the university community, including police, fire and medical, safety and security, maintenance, and parking services. In a support role, the Communications Center functions as a backup to the Douglas County Emergency Communications Center that serves the residents of Douglas county.

911 Calls

When you call 9-1-1, the dispatcher will answer "911, what is the address of your emergency?" The name, address and phone number of the calling party will be displayed on a screen for the dispatcher to confirm and verify.

Call 911 for emergency situations only! If there is an immediate threat to life or property, such as a crime in progress, fire or medical emergency, use 911. Do not call 9-1-1 for weather or road conditions, telephone numbers, directions to a location, or any other type of general information that is better handled by a non-emergency number.

Non-emergency Calls

The KU Police Department maintains a non-emergency phone number (785-864-5900) for routine requests and general information. This includes requests for copies of police reports, campus directions, lost and found, and other non-emergency-related calls.

The Communications Center provides alarm-monitoring service for the university community. With state-of-the-art fiber optic and graphical display system, the Communications Center directly monitors fire alarm systems for university-owned and affiliated buildings.

Due to the technology available through this system, the Communications Center can also monitor campus building security systems. Alarms are prioritized as follows:

Primary

  • Fire Alarms
  • Armed Robbery (locations that have a high cash flow/volume)
  • Bank (ATM Machines) alarms
  • Anti-Theft alarms

Secondary

  • Call-in alarms to include doors and temperature controls at campus locations.

 

Records Request