Police Communications Operator II

About the role

This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. Work involves serving as non-sworn first responders, operating telephone, teletype, two-way radio, and related communications equipment, and 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or a GED.
• Two (2) or more years of work experience with multi-faceted responsibilities or two (2) or more years of college or university education, equal to 60 or more college credit hours.
• One (1) or more years of experience of data entry keyboard functions (defined as any electronic input, including but not limited to Computer Entry, Phone Entry, Tablet Entry, and other related electronic keyboarding input).
• Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, and call back (this is a continuous 24 hour/365 day operation).
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation and Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing (this position is safety sensitive).

Skills

• Knowledge of the geography of Anne Arundel 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 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.

Benefits

• $5,000 hiring bonus for new Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators:
  • $2,500 paid upon successful hire and classroom training.
  • $2,500 paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment.
• Additional $2,500 bonus for applicants with prior experience as a "9-1-1 Specialist" within the past two (2) years and who have successfully completed a "Basic Telecommunicator Course," paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. Required certifications (current or within the past two years):
  • National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Communications Course (ETC).
  • National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Medical, Fire, or Police Dispatch protocols certification.
  • NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course.
  • APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course.
  • State mandated certification.
• 9% pay increase for satisfactory performance after twelve (12) months of employment for those hired at the minimum rate of pay.
• Longevity pay:
  • 5% increase after 7 years of continuous service.
  • 10% increase after 11 years of continuous service.
  • 15% increase after 16 years of continuous service.
  • 18% increase after 22 years of continuous service.

Open House

Candidates are highly encouraged to attend the 911 Communications Recruitment Virtual Open House. Sessions will be held hourly on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026:
  • 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)

  Register for September 8, 2026

• Tuesday, September 22, 2026:
  • 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)

  Register for September 22, 2026

• Monday, October 19, 2026:
  • 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)

  Register for October 19, 2026

Registration is required in advance for all sessions.

Selection Process

• Complete the online application.
• Take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills (tentatively scheduled for October 26, 2026, through November 6, 2026). The test can be taken remotely or onsite at Anne Arundel County Government's Office of Personnel.
• Successful candidates will proceed to an initial background check and oral interview.
• Highly encouraged to attend a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period at the 911 Communications Center.
• Undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
• May receive a conditional offer of employment upon successful completion of the background investigation.

For onsite testing arrangements or questions, contact Eric Stewart-Craig at pestew23@aacounty.org or (410) 222-7595.