Police Communications Operator I

City of Annapolis (MD); Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Annapolis seeks a Police Communications Operator I to be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, prioritizing and dispatching police assistance. This role requires calm under pressure, rapid information gathering, and accurate CAD/radio system use.

Responsibilities include operating communications equipment, logging incidents, coordinating with field officers, and maintaining records to ensure timely public safety responses.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Two years in radio-telephone communications or the equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Operate and maintain communication systems and equipment.
• Log incidents and coordinate with field officers.
• Dispatch police units and track unit locations.
• Relay information to FBI, state, and local agencies.

Skills

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Emergency dispatch

Radio communications

Geography knowledge

Information gathering

Coordination with officers

Education

High school diploma

Two years in radio-telephone communications

Tools

CAD Systems

Miles/NCIC

Two-way radio & teletype

Job description

The role of a Police Communications Operator I involves crucial responsibilities in ensuring effective communication and coordination within law enforcement agencies. Operating as the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, these professionals receive, prioritize, and dispatch requests for police assistance. They must accurately gather information from callers, assess situations swiftly, and dispatch appropriate units while maintaining composure under pressure. Additionally, Police Communications Operator I personnel are tasked with operating and maintaining communication systems, logging incidents, and providing support to field officers as needed. This role demands strong multitasking abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work efficiently in high-stress situations to facilitate prompt and effective response to public safety concerns.

Receives and dispatches messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift; does related work as required. This is an essential position.

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this job description are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all the job duties of all positions in the job classification. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.)

Positions in this class perform work involving responsibility for monitoring and operating telephone computer terminal two-way radio and related communications equipment and perform related record keeping tasks.

• Receives requests for emergency services from the public by telephone, also by text to 911 CAD and Miles/NCIC systems terminal with computer input keyboard teletypewriter machine and intercom sets in the central communications center.
• Dispatches police and enters in call for services into the CAD Systems
• Maintains accurate account of the current location of patrol cars.
• Assists Police Officers in locating streets and addresses.
• Maintains radio dispatch records.
• Answers incoming radio calls from police units.
• Receives and relays police information to the FBI, State Police, local and out-of-state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies.
• Obtains information via computer requested by patrol officers such as license plates, checks for stolen cars and checks wanted persons by name and date of birth.
• Notifies ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, the Fire Department, Public Works Department and/or the emergency medical team units as necessary.
• Operates two-way radios, teletype machine, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, telephone and related communications equipment.
• Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports.
• Determines by inquiry the location of the place or point of emergency and dispatches the proper unit or units.
• Transmits such messages as may be necessary in conducting operations at point of emergency.
• Transmits special information through wired and radio communications systems of the city to various units.
• Maintains a current record of movement, location and involvement of assigned units.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of emergency call and dispatch work, including operation of telephone systems, voice recorders, computer terminal, radio system and related equipment.
• Knowledge of the geography, streets, highways and landmarks of the city.
• Knowledge of fire, emergency medical services or police department procedures, methods and priorities.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing transmission by radio; Good Knowledge of police functions and operations, relevant law, police and departmental procedures.
• Ability to multitask to stay calm in order to simultaneously answer calls, collect vital information, coordinate responders, monitor multiple displays, and use a variety of equipment.
• Ability to learn the 911 CAD and Miles/NCIC systems
• Ability to obtain essential information from persons in emergency situations and to analyze same; ability to react calmly, quickly and decisively to stressful situations, emotional stability, ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice under emergency conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to coordinate routine and emergency repair efforts for equipment and related radio or telephone circuits; ability to maintain records and prepare reports as required; good physical condition.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Work experience, including two years in radio-telephone communications or the equivalent and high school graduation; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

This position is designated as Safety Sensitive due to the tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task, other individuals, and or may lead to damage to property. This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing to include pre-employment testing.

Preferred Qualifications:

Telephone systems (911)

Physical/Mental Demands:

The work is sedentary and generally the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, and/or carry light items to include paper, books or files.

• Physical Ability: ability to sit for long periods while working as a dispatcher; ability to operate standard office equipment, including copier, computer fax machine, mailing machine, typewriter, etc.; ability to reach into file drawers in filing cabinets.
• Visual Ability: sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
• Hearing Ability: sufficient to hold conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone, radio, etc.; ability to hear recording on transcription device.
• Speaking Ability: sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over the telephone.
• Freedom from mental disorders which would interfere with performance of duties as described.

Work Environment:

The work environment entails minimal discomforts that may be associated with an office environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.