LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Police Department is honoring the critical work of its communications officers this week as part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, celebrated during the second week of April.

According to a report from UK News, UKPD's Security Operations Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with communications officers answering 911 and non-emergency calls, gathering critical information, responding to SafeZone app alerts and coordinating police response. The officers serve as a vital lifeline for both the public and responding units during moments of crisis.

"Our communications officers are the backbone of our operations," UK Police Chief Joe Monroe said. "Their professionalism, quick thinking and compassion make a real difference every day, and we are incredibly grateful for the role they play in keeping our campus community safe."

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is observed each April to honor the commitment, skill and resilience of communications professionals nationwide. The week was initially established in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of Contra Costa County, California, and formally recognized by Congress in 1994.

UKPD operates a certified Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that handles calls from campus phones, emergency towers and the SafeZone app. During this week, the department is recognizing its telecommunications team with tokens of appreciation from colleagues across the department.

Those wishing to express appreciation to UKPD communications officers may email mandi.banahan@uky.edu. The work of communications officers, while often unseen by the public, remains essential to the university's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure campus community.