Police Communications Operator

About the role

Become a Police Communications Operator with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) at Troop L, Reading and step into a role where your talent makes a real difference. Your quick thinking and calm focus help Troopers take action when every moment counts. You become part of a dedicated team that works together to protect and support communities across the region. Choose a career that brings purpose, challenge, and steady growth every day.

This position supports public safety by receiving, managing, and relaying information that guides emergency and non-emergency responses. The role requires clear communication, careful attention, and strong teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Call Handling: Receive and assess emergency and non-emergency calls to identify needs and determine appropriate responses
• Information Dispatch: Relay incident details to Troopers and coordinate communication using radio, telephone, and computer systems
• Agency Coordination: Contact police, fire, medical, and other agencies to share information and request assistance
• Record Management: Use electronic systems to access, update, and maintain incident and operational records
• Public Assistance: Respond to inquiries from the public and assist station visitors by providing information or arranging support
• Training Support: Participate in communications training and help train new operators on procedures and practices

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 Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal 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.
• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

Work Schedule

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours to be determined; schedule includes rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays
• 30-minute lunch period
• No telework option