The GTPD Emergency Communications and Operations Center is staffed with civilian Communications (Dispatch) Officers and Video Specialists, including student employees. Calls for service come to the "Ops Center" via telephone, TTY, the LiveSafe smartphone app, and directly from a network of 555 Blue Light Emergency Phones across the entire campus.
Communications Officers are Georgia POST certified and serve as a vital support network, acting as an emergency liaison between the public and sworn police officers. They receive, categorize, and monitor calls, emails, and texts; dispatch officers; and research license plate numbers, warrant statuses, and background information on suspects. They also respond to non-emergency calls for information. The Video Specialists utilize camera technology to ensure officer safety during traffic stops and provide video support to criminal investigations.
The 24/7 GTPD Operations Center is staffed with Georgia POST-certified Communications Officers (911 Dispatchers) and Video Specialists, including student employees. Calls for service come to the Operations Center from the telephone, administrative line (404-894-2500), TTY/TDD, through the LiveSafe smartphone app, Emergency Elevator Button, or directly from a network of 555 Blue Light Emergency Phones across the entire campus. When placing a wireless 911 call in the area of the GT campus, the call will go directly to the Atlanta 911 Communications Center and transfer to the GTPD Operations Center for assistance. The Operations Center subscribes to AT&T Language Line to assist with translating over 140 languages. For all emergency services, please remember to remain calm, speak clearly, listen to all instructions, and answer all questions. The Communications Officer speaking with you may have many questions to ask depending on the nature of the problem. If you are reporting a crime, pay particular attention to the suspect's physical appearance: height, weight, hair color, clothing, and any physical characteristics such as facial hair, glasses, and accent. If a vehicle is involved, give a clear description of the color, make, body style, and license plate number. The Video Specialists utilize camera technology to ensure officer safety during traffic stops and provide video support to criminal investigations.
The GTPD Emergency Communications and Operations Team achieved CALEA's Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program certification in 2022. The team was also recognized in August 2022 by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's "Missing Kids & 9-1-1 Readiness Program" -- the first university Public Safety Communications agency in the State of Georgia to achieve this recognition.