Police Communications Operator II

Center for Digital Governmtent; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Police Department is hiring a Communications Operator II for the Police Communications Center. You will handle 911 calls, dispatch police units, and coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies while using teletype, radio, and computer systems.

The role requires the ability to work rotating shifts, manage stress, and maintain precise records. Training and a comprehensive benefits package accompany this critical public-safety position.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED
• Two or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities; may be substituted with two or more years of college education (60+ credit hours)
• One or more years of data entry keyboard experience
• Shift work, overtime, and safety sensitive position requirements

Responsibilities

• Dispatches police patrol cars and officers; maintains accurate location records and radio dispatch logs
• Receives and relays information to FBI, State Police, local and out-of-state agencies
• Performs data checks (license plate, wanted persons) and notifies emergency services as needed
• Operates teletype, radio, MILES terminal, teleprinter and related equipment
• Enters and retrieves information in NCIC/MILES systems
• Maintains required records and reports
• Acts as a non-sworn first responder
• Handles 911 information via headset and telephone; gathers details for emergencies
• Performs related duties as required

Skills

Effective communication

Stress management

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED; college credit hours substitution

Tools

Teletype

Two-way radio

MILES terminal

Computer terminal

Job description

Position Description

This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work involves serving as non-sworn first responders to include responsibility for operating telephone, teletype, two-way radio, and related communications equipment and for performing related clerical tasks. These positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages from and to police vehicles and personnel. Work is performed independently within departmental and Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.

Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for NEW Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators.

NOTE: $2,500 will be paid upon successful hire and classroom training, and $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. In addition to the $5,000 hiring bonus for NEW Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators, applicants with prior experience within the past two (2) years as a "9-1-1- Specialist"** as determined in the Annotated Code of Maryland Public Safety Article Title 1-301(n); and who has successfully completed a "Basic Telecommunicator Course" *** are eligible for an additional $2,500 bonus upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. Documentation**** for the successful completion of the course is required prior to hire. **A "9-1-1- Specialist" can be defined as an employee of a county public safety answering point, or an employee working in a county public safety answering point, whose duties and responsibilities include: (1) receiving and processing 9-1-1 requests for emergency services; (2) other support functions directly related to 9-1-1 requests for emergency services; or (3) dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical services, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency. ***"Basic telecommunicator course" means dealing with the basic skills required to function as a call taker or call allocator in a communications center. ****Prior experience will be determined upon possession of the below certifications that are current or within the two (2) year window. 1. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Communications Course (ETC) 2. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Medical, Fire or Police Dispatch protocols certification 3. NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course 4. APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course 5. State mandated certification

COME JOIN US AT THE OPEN HOUSE!

Candidates Who Are Interested In Applying, Or Have Applied, Are Highly Encouraged To Attend The 911 Communications Recruitment VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE. The Virtual Open House Will Be Held Hourly On The Following Dates/times

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• Tuesday, September 22, 2026
• Monday, October 19, 2026

All Weekday Times Are

• Session #1 : 1600 - 1645 hours (4:00p - 4:45p)
• Session #2 : 1700 - 1745 hours (5:00p - 5:45p)
• Session #3 : 1800 - 1845 hours (6:00p - 6:45p)

Examples Of Duties And Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification 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 of the essential job functions of all positions in the class).

• Dispatches police patrol cars and officers; maintains accurate accounts of the location of patrol cars; assists police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintains radio dispatch records; and answers incoming radio calls from police units.
• Receives and relays police information requested to the FBI, State Police, local and out-of-state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies;
• Obtains by computer information requested by patrol officers such as license plate checks for stolen cars and checks for wanted persons by name and date of birth.
• Notifies ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, and the Fire Department when necessary.
• Operates two-way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment.
• Makes entries into, and deletions from, automated files utilizing proper NCIC and MILES procedures.
• Prepares and maintains necessary records and reports.
• Serves as a non-sworn first responder.
• Using headset and telephone, listens to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 emergency lines; talks with citizens on 911 telephone lines to obtain information about an emergency situation.
• Uses a computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.
• Work requires shift work and overtime.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways.
• Basic knowledge of police functions and operations, relevant laws, and statutes related to communications.
• Ability to quickly learn the operation of teletype, radio, and other communications equipment in the communications center.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice so as to provide understandable information to police officers, citizens, and other involved agencies.
• Ability to maintain records and perform routine clerical work.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.
• Ability to understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or a GED
• Two (2) or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities
• One (1) or more years of experience of data entry keyboard functions

Note: The two (2) or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities may be substituted with two (2) or more years of college or university education, equal to 60 or more college credit hours.

Note: Experience of data entry keyboard functions is defined as any electronic input, including but not limited to Computer Entry, Phone Entry, Tablet Entry, and other related electronic keyboarding input.

Selection Procedures

• Applicants will complete the online application.
• Once the announcement closes, those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills. An email will be sent with instructions to take the aptitude (CritiCall) test.
• Applicants who are successful with the aptitude (CritiCall) test will be invited to begin the initial background check and oral interview.
• Applicants who are successful with the oral interview are highly encouraged to attend a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period at the 911 Communications Center.
• Applicants who are successful with the initial background check and oral interview will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
• Applicants who successfully pass the comprehensive background investigation may receive a conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section.

Supplemental Qualifications

An observation at the 911 Communications Center is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED of candidates who successfully complete the interview process; this will consist of a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period.

Candidates must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, and call back.

This is a continuous 24 hour/365 day operation.

This position is safety sensitive and employees in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF TWELVE (12) MONTHS, EMPLOYEES HIRED AT THE MINIMUM RATE OF PAY FOR THE GRADE RECEIVE A 9% INCREASE FOR SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE.

Employees in this classification are also eligible to receive longevity pay.

An employee who completes continuous service with the County in the Police Communications Operator II classification will receive the following:

• 7 years of continuous service with the County - 5% increase of the current rate of pay
• 11 years of continuous service with the County - 10% increase of the current rate of pay
• 16 years of continuous service with the County - 15% increase of the current rate of pay
• 22 years of continuous service with the County - 18% increase of the current rate of pay

TESTING

CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for October 26, 2026, through November 6, 2026.

The CritiCall test is available online (remotely). You can access/complete the test from any computer that is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. If you cannot complete the test remotely, please email Eric Stewart-Craig at [e-mail] or call at [phone] to make arrangements to take the CritiCall test onsite (in-person) at Anne Arundel County Government's Office of Personnel located at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. You must present a valid photo identification, preferably a driver's license, at check-in. Applicants without valid identification, regardless of reason, will not be permitted.

Medical/Health Insurance Plans

• BlueChoice Advantage EPO
• BlueChoice Advantage PPO

Dental Insurance

• CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)
• CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)
• CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)

Vision Insurance

• EyeMed

Employee Life Insurance

• Term insurance of $10,000 for employees at no cost.
• Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance

Disability Income Insurance

Pension Plan

• Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.

Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan

Direct Deposit

Credit Union

Holidays

• Twelve days provided per calendar year, thirteen in general election year

Annual Leave

• Less than 5 years - 13 days
• 5 years to less than 10 years - 15 days
• 10 years to less than 20 years - 20 days
• 20 years or more- 26 days
• Some positions will receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.

Disability Leave

• Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year

Personal Leave Day, five per calendar year

Leave Sharing

Employee Assistance Program

• Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Dependent Care Reimbursement
• Health Care Reimbursement

Voluntary Benefits

• Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
• Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
• United Legal Benefits