Police Communications Operator (PCO)

University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB); Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension (retirement)

Paid leave package

Health insurance

Tuition remission

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Police and Public Safety seeks a Police Communications Operator to handle emergency calls, dispatch officers, and monitor radio networks.

Under general supervision, you will operate telephones, two-way radios, CCTV, alarms, and computer terminals, while maintaining logs and supporting daily public safety operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) years of clerical or related experience preferred.
• Ability to type accurately and learn emergency communications procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operates emergency telephones, two-way radios, teletype, telecommunications and computer terminal equipment, CCTV, remote cameras, alarm systems.
• Answers emergency lines; monitors and maintains radio communications.
• Dispatches police officers and notifies supervisory personnel of incidents.
• Transmits communications with surrounding jurisdictions and accesses restricted networks.
• Maintains logs and prepares reports; monitors safety systems and dispatches appropriate personnel.

Skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Typing

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radios

Telecommunication equipment

Job description

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Police and Public Safety has an exciting opportunity for a Police Communications Operator.

About Us

The University of Maryland, Baltimore Department of Police and Public Safety's mission is to promote a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We will provide professional public safety services ethically and fairly through education, engagement, and collaboration. We will adhere to the Core Values of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Read the full Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan here: https://www.umaryland.edu/police/meet-umb-police-and-public-safety/.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs police communications and related clerical work in a central communications center.

Benefits: Non-Exempt Regular

• retirement program (pension), effective on your date of hire.
• generous PAID leave package that starts with 14 days of vacation accrued per year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and time for community service; comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

The ideal candidate will personally connect with the Administration and Finance Guiding Principles which closely mirror UMB’s core values: Respect and Integrity, Well-Being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Primary Duties

• Operates emergency telephones, two-way radios, teletype, telecommunications and computer terminal equipment, closed circuit televisions, remote control cameras, alarm and security systems.
• Answers emergency telephone lines. Monitors and maintains radio communications.
• Receives and records information and requests related to police services. Dispatches police officers. Notifies command, supervisory, and administrative personnel about incidents.
• Transmits and receives telephonic communications with the surrounding local jurisdictions.
• Operates specialized communications networking equipment and computer terminals. Accesses restricted law enforcement networks.
• Obtains, inputs, and receives data related to police activities such as criminal history, warrants, and vehicle registration.
• Monitors radio frequencies and transmissions of the Allied Law Enforcement Agencies, National Weather Service, and Maryland Civil Defense.
• Relays information from field officers requesting back up and support services such as crime lab technicians, K-9 unit, emergency medical services, rescue, and fire equipment.
• Maintains manual and computerized logs and prepares complaint control cards and reports.
• Monitors safety and security systems, reports malfunctions as appropriate, and dispatches appropriate personnel to alarm site.

Note: The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Education

High School Diploma or GED.

Experience

Two (2) years’ clerical or other related experience.

Other

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Skill in the use of keyboards and office equipment. Ability to type accurately; to learn emergency communications work; to learn applicable procedures and regulations; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to react calmly, quickly, and decisively in emergency situations; to obtain, summarize and relay information orally and in writing; to follow oral and written instructions; to write legibly; to monitor multiple radio frequencies.

Conditions Of Employment

Applicants must submit to and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Based on the duties of this position, selected candidates are eligible to participate in the Bargaining Unit (Union).

Hiring Range

$46,500 - $50,731.71 (pre-probation), commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran's status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact [e-mail] Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

Job: Reg or CII Non-Exempt Staff

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Shift: Variable

Organization: Department of Public Safety

Job Posting: Aug 26, 2026

Unposting Date: Sep 14, 2026, 10:59:00 PM