Police Communications Operator

MedStar Health; Bensalem Township (Bucks County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Pennsylvania State Police as a Police Communications Operator, a role critical to public safety and emergency response. In this full-time position, you will be responsible for managing communications during emergencies, dispatching responders, and utilizing law enforcement databases. Strong communication skills and quick thinking are essential as you serve the community in high-pressure situations.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with radio or dispatch systems.
• One year experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Troopers and callers.

Responsibilities

• Receive and manage calls regarding police issues.
• Dispatch Troopers and maintain incident logs.
• Utilize law enforcement databases for information management.

Skills

Communication Skills

Quick Thinking

Attention to Detail

Education

60 college credits

Public Safety Telecommunicator certification

CLEAN and JNET certifications

Job description

THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF N-2025-25159 WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM MAY 7, 2025 TO MAY, 11 2025. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

Are you quick-thinking and detail-oriented with strong communication skills and a desire to serve and protect your community? Then start an exciting and challenging career with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) as a Police Communications Operator! With our team, you will stand as a beacon of support dedicated to delivering unwavering and trustworthy service to those in peril or facing distress. Your role will not only enhance the safety of the community but also embody the spirit of service that defines the PSP!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Police Communications Operator (PCO) for the PSP, our team will rely on you to establish and maintain incident information in electronic record management systems and effectively communicate with Troopers and other PCOs regarding active incidents or concerns. Work involves receiving calls from the general public and county 911 operators regarding emergency and non-emergency police issues.

You will question callers to gather details, determine response requirements, and assign relative priorities of incidents then dispatch and relay incident information to responding Troopers. Then you will contact municipal police, fire, ambulance, towing, PennDOT, or other responders, to provide incident details and request assistance and response. Your duties will include utilizing a variety of law enforcement database resources to access, research, and maintain records. If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding career and possess excellent communication skills, the PSP would like to talk to you!

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours: Rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of experience using two-way radio, multi-line telephone, or computer aided dispatch systems; or
• Two years of experience using computer systems for entering, updating, and retrieving information; or
• Completion of 60 college credits; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• You must possess a clear, firm voice and no major speech, hearing, or visual impairments that would interfere with understanding verbal communication, being understood, or using electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment.
• You must obtain an active Public Safety Telecommunicator certification issued by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.
• You must obtain active Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and Pennsylvania Justice Network (JNET) certifications issued by the Pennsylvania State Police within the probationary period and maintain the same for the duration of employment in this job.

Additional Requirement:

• You must possess one year of experience in dispatching police, fire, or ambulance services for emergency response.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.
• This job title has been identified as performing critical duties. Prior to placement in this job title, the selected candidate regardless of their current job, must submit a report of medications for screening by the State Police Medical Officer.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at [e-mail].

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.