Sheriff's Communications Operator

Anne Arundel County; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office seeks a Sheriff’s Communications Operator to receive calls, dispatch Deputy Sheriffs, and answer citizen requests after hours. The role involves monitoring security and fire alarm systems and retrieving information from law enforcement databases.

Prior data entry experience and the ability to work rotating shifts are preferred. Responsibilities include accurate logging, rapid routing of information, and proficient use of radio communications while maintaining

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school.
• Two (2) or more years of data entry/keyboard work experience.
• Passing proficiency tests; valid non-commercial Class C license.

Responsibilities

• Answer calls for Sheriff’s Department during assigned shifts.
• Operate and monitor computerized security and fire alarm systems.
• Screen and route calls; provide information and referrals.
• Take and record messages; direct messages to proper personnel.
• Access law enforcement databases and relay information to deputies.

Skills

Two-way radio dispatching

Geography knowledge

Computer/system operation

Multitasking under stress

Clear speech and listening

Record keeping

Database access (law enforcement)

Reading & following complex policies

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MILES

NCIC

TIBURON

District Court

MVA

Job description

The Office of the Sheriff provides law enforcement and public safety services by meeting the needs of the Circuit Court and the Citizens of Anne Arundel County.

This position announcement will be used to fill Full-time, Permanent, Safety-Sensitive, Sheriff's Communications Operator positions within the Sheriff's Office of Anne Arundel County Government.

This is communication work in receiving messages, dispatching Deputy Sheriffs, and answering citizen calls for service from the Sheriff's office during an assigned shift. The work also involves monitoring and utilizing computerized security and fire alarm systems.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work involves responsibility for answering phone calls for the Sheriff's Department during non-working hours, operating communications equipment, as well as the operation and monitoring of various computerized security and fire alarm systems, and the retrieval of information from numerous law enforcement databases. Employees assigned to this class are to be efficient and accurate in receiving, recording, and processing multiple incoming calls and other messages, as well as the able to monitor and operate multiple automated security and fire alarm systems. Work is performed independently within departmental procedures, rules, and regulations, and is reviewed by supervisors through observation, conferences, and reports.(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.)

• Rapidly and accurately process incoming calls, processing fragmented and/or complex information to determine the nature of the request.


• Screen and route calls; provide general information and make referrals to other agencies and/or County departments.


• Take and record messages; direct messages and calls in a timely manner to the proper person or agency; ensure that all logs and/or internal computer systems are maintained in a neat, complete, and up-to-date manner.


• Rapidly and accurately access various law enforcement databases and pass information to Sheriff's Office personnel authorized to receive this information on request. Databases include but are not limited to MILES, NCIC, TIBURON, District Court, and MVA.


• Evaluate information received to determine proper response, and respond in a controlled manner to stressful calls. Accurately use radio communications equipment to safely track and record Deputy Sheriff's activity.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to learn and demonstrate the proper applications of all established policies and procedures of the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office pertaining to communications activity program functions.


• Ability to learn and demonstrate proficiency in the use of a two-way radio dispatching set.


• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways, after required training.


• Ability to learn the operation and competently utilize the various computer and security systems and databases used by the Sheriff's Office Communications Section.


• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; handle several tasks, functions, and incoming calls simultaneously.


• Ability to hear and speak clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice to provide understandable information in stress and non-stress situations to the public and other involved agencies.


• Ability to maintain records and to do miscellaneous routine office support work.


• Ability to competently operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information. Ability to understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.

Education:

Graduation from high school.

Experience

Two (2) or more years of work experience in data entry and keyboard functions; a passing score on all required proficiency tests; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test.

NOTE:

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

NOTE:

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

NOTE:

Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

**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.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. Dispatch experience.


2. The incumbent MUST be able to work a FLEXIBLE schedule with varying shifts, including 7:00 AM - 3:15 PM, 3:00 PM - 11:15 PM; and 11:00 PM - 7:15 AM hours.


3. Schedule will be a rotating 6/3, which will remain consistent; hours of work, however will vary.