Police Communications Operator II

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

About the role

Work involves serving as non-sworn first responders, including responsibility for operating telephone, teletype, two-way radio, and related communications equipment, as well as 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.
• 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.
• Ability 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 are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

Skills

• 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 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.

Selection Process

• Applicants will complete the online application.
• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills.
• Successful applicants will begin the initial background check and oral interview.
• Applicants successful in 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 will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
• Applicants who successfully pass the comprehensive background investigation may receive a conditional offer of employment.

Bonuses

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

• $2,500 will be paid upon successful hire and classroom training.
• $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment.

Applicants with prior experience within the past two (2) years as a "9-1-1 Specialist" (as defined in the Annotated Code of Maryland Public Safety Article Title 1-301(n)) and who have 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.

Prior experience will be determined by possession of the following certifications (current or within the two (2) year window):

• 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.

Longevity Pay

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:

• 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.

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

Sessions:

• 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)

You must register for a Virtual Open House session in advance:

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

Benefits

• 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 a 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