Telecommunications Operators provide voice communications for the Highway Patrol as well as State Transport Police and Bureau of Protective Services at one of four regional Telecommunications Centers throughout the state. Our offices are located in Blythewood, Greenville, Florence and Charleston.
Telecommunications Operators are an invaluable part of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, providing a vital link between the public and state troopers and officers. They dispatch troopers to traffic collisions and other situations requiring roadside assistance. Telecommunications Operators are often referred to as a “lifeline” for troopers, as well as for the general public.
Before You Apply
The South Carolina Highway Patrol Telecommunication Centers are currently accepting applications. Please read ALL instructions carefully before applying.
Basic Requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- No criminal record
- Clear driver's record
- Must submit to and pass polygraph examination
- Must be 18 years old to apply
Other Requirements
- Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions during stressful situations and emergencies
- Ability to operate a multi-channel radio console and multi-line telephone
- Ability to convey and interpret communications to and from law enforcement officers and the general public
- Ability to read a map
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts which include days, nights, weekends and holidays
How to Join
The employment process to become a Telecommunications Operator begins with your online State Application, and all of the remaining steps that follow will be based on it.
Once you have read and understood the basic requirements, you are ready to apply.
Visit the SC Careers page to submit your application.
- Please note: You will need to set up an account with a username and password BEFORE you apply.
Fill out all information on the application and ensure you have a valid e-mail address included, as all correspondence will be done through e-mail.
Once you have submitted an application at careers.sc.gov, and met all requirements, you will be sent an e-mail detailing the next steps in the employment process.
The following is a general overview of the employment and selection process:
- Initial review of received state application
- Administrative review to include review of driving history, criminal history, and references
- Polygraph examination
- In-person oral interview board
- Pre-employment drug screening
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many telecommunications centers are there?
There are four regional telecommunications centers located in Blythewood, North Charleston, Florence, and Greenville.
- Is a uniform required for TCOs?
No formal uniform is required. However, the dress code is business casual. Jeans can be worn as long as the jeans are neat with no holes or frays.
- How long is the hiring process?
Due to the sensitive information the TCO has access to, an applicant will undergo an in-depth background review to include a review of the applicant’s working history, driving record, criminal history, references, polygraph examination, and interview. If selected, the applicant must also complete and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Overall, the hiring process may take up to four months.
- What does the training consist of?
We want the most highly qualified candidates to join our team. That is why our training is specialized and is comprised of a mixture of on-the-job and classroom training. The training programs is designed to be completed within six months.
- Classroom training: Telecommunications Operators attend several courses where they learn to operate communications equipment such as the 800 MHz radio, the NCIC terminal and the Computer-Aided Dispatch System.
- On-the-job training: Telecommunications Operators also receive on-the-job training with an experienced operator to learn and develop skills required to offer assistance to troopers and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the motoring public.
- Is salary different if you have experience?
While no public safety dispatch experience is required, our agency does take prior public safety dispatch experience into consideration when offering a position within the Telecommunications Unit. You can find out more about TCO starting salaries here: https://scdps.sc.gov/careers/telecom/salary
- What type of shift does a TCO work?
TCOs are required to work 12-hour rotating shifts to include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours on short notice. Shifts are scheduled based on Telecommunication Center needs.
Most Common Issues During the Application Process
- Incomplete State Application
Please be very thorough and take your time filling out every single question on application. Pay very close attention to detail. If your state application is missing dates, phone numbers, full addresses for references, or if it has unexplained gaps/dates in employment periods it will not move forward in the process.
Adding a resume does not take the place of a complete application. An incomplete state application with a detailed resume attached is not satisfactory. YES: You must list ALL Employment History.
- Spelling and Grammar
An application riddled with misspellings and grammar errors may not move forward in the employment process.
Proofread your application before submitting!
- Incomplete Work and Education History
If you fail to disclose a past employer and one is discovered during your background investigation or polygraph, or if you have been terminated or forced to resign from any position in lieu of a termination at any time and you do not disclose this, it is considered a falsification of your application. This will lead to your application not moving forward in the process.
Be 100% honest while filling out the Application. List ALL of your education history starting with your High School/GED information (Dates, Name…..etc) and ALL Employment History.
If you have been terminated from any employment, at any time, be honest and list it. A prior employment termination DOES NOT exclude you from employment, but not being honest about it does!
- Drug Use and Criminal History
Please fully familiarize yourself with our minimum requirements for employment. Answer all drug questions and all criminal history questions honestly. Falsifications discovered on any of these questions will lead to the termination of your employment process. Be 100% honest while filling out the application.
- E-Mails going to “Junk" or "Spam" Folder
We are discovering that more and more of our e-mails to applicants that include applications, appointments, forms…etc are ending up in these “Junk/Spam" folders and applicants are missing important information from the SCHP.
Check your e-mail to include your “Junk/Spam” to ensure you don’t miss anything
Do You Have More Questions?
If you have any other questions or need help before filling out your State Application online, please contact the Telecommunications Center Employment Coordinator through e-mail at: TCCEmployment@scdps.gov