A Career in Law Enforcement Communications

Join Our Team

Join the nationally recognized team that provides professional and essential support to troopers and other law enforcement officers throughout Missouri. Communications professionals are an integral part of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's mission of service and protection.

Radio voice communications is one of the most valuable tools in law enforcement. The Missouri State Highway Patrol operates communication centers in each of its nine troop headquarters. Communications professionals are essential in providing 24-hour coverage every day of the year. The Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network (MOSWIN) and the Patrol's legacy radio network are maintained by the Patrol's communications professionals for use by field units on patrol in all parts of the state.

What Is a Communications Professional?

Communications professionals are the calm voice on the radio assisting law enforcement officers and members of the public. Communications professionals are the highly skilled personnel making sure the Patrol's intricate communications network functions properly every hour of every day.

Patrol Communication Operators

• Embody the Missouri State Highway Patrol core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, professionalism, compassion, resourcefulness, character, and commitment.
• Learn to operate radio equipment and computer systems.
• Make regular inquiries and entries into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System and National Crime Information Center databases.
• May perform additional duties including the installation, trouble-shooting, and maintenance of radios, computers, in-car radar and video equipment, Voice over Internet Protocol telephones, and audio-visual-teleconferencing equipment located at the nine troop headquarters.
• Possess the ability to read and discern visual images on a variety of media.
• Possess the ability to read and understand maps.
• Pass a battery of validated testing.
• Serve as the Missouri state control point for the International Justice and Public Safety Network, which connects all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Canadian provinces and territories.

Patrol Communications Technicians

• Embody the Missouri State Highway Patrol core values of integrity, responsibility, respect, professionalism, compassion, resourcefulness, character, and commitment.
• Assigned to the Communications Division located in Jefferson City, with select technicians assigned to the various troop headquarters as field engineers.
• Install communications equipment into Patrol vehicles, watercraft, and tower sites.
• Maintain radios, mobile command and communications equipment, breath-alcohol testing devices, radar devices, antenna site equipment, and other specialty equipment.
• Possess the ability to disconnect, remove, and transport mobile radio transmitters and associated equipment from the trunk or under dash areas of a mid-sized car, SUV, or watercraft.

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary.
• Vacation and sick leave accumulate at the rate of 15 days per year.
• Healthcare insurance coverage.
• Contributory retirement system (four percent of gross).
• Life insurance is available at group rates.
• Workers' compensation covers injuries incurred on duty.

Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of Missouri at time of appointment.
• Be a graduate of an accredited four-year high school or possess a certificate of equivalency recognized by the Missouri State Department of Education.
• Communications Operators must possess the skill to type at least 25 words per minute, after adjustment for errors, on a standard computer terminal keyboard.
• Be of good character with no convictions or pending indictments for a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude (dishonesty, immodesty, or immorality).
• Possess the ability to hear and understand sound sources through a headset, radio, and standard telephone receiver, as well as the ability to hear and understand other outside sound sources while wearing a communications headset.

Preferred Experience

• Broadcasting in radio/television
• Law enforcement or military police
• Military communications
• Emergency services dispatcher/telecommunicator
• Technical expertise and/or amateur radio license
• Air traffic controller

A career in law enforcement communications with the Missouri State Highway Patrol is waiting for you. If you meet the minimum requirements and wish to be part of the Missouri State Highway Patrol mission of service and protection, contact your local troop headquarters for more information.

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