Sheriff's Communications Operator

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.

• 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.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.