Anne Arundel County
911 Dispatcher (Police Communications Operator II)
Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Maryland, United States, 21403
Overview
Anne Arundel County is excited to announce the opportunity for Police Communications Operator II. The Police Communications Operator II is a full‑time, permanent, safety‑sensitive position located in the Communications Center of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift.
Hiring Bonus Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for new Police Communications Operators.
NOTE: $2,500 will be paid upon successful hire and classroom training, and $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. In addition to the $5,000 hiring bonus for new Operators, 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.
A 9‑1‑1 Specialist can be defined as an employee of a county public safety answering point, or an employee working in a county public safety answering point, whose duties and responsibilities include: (1) receiving and processing 9‑1‑1 requests for emergency services; (2) other support functions directly related to 9‑1‑1 requests for emergency services; or (3) dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical services, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency.
National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Communications Course (ETC)
National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical, Fire or Police Dispatch protocols certification
NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course
APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course
State mandated certification
Come Join Us at the 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 and times:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Thursday, December 18, 2025: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Registration links: Wednesday, December 3, 2025: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/iq-s46R0QPWYBLs4-xI4DA#/registration; Thursday, December 18, 2025: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/fw2yezprRNGfk-4l_4_Glw#/registration; Tuesday, January 6, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/YEoE_ewIQT2wvXVv_PKUKg#/registration.
Nature and Variety of Work Work involves serving as non‑sworn first responders to include responsibility for operating telephone, teletype, two‑way radio, and related communications equipment and for 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, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.
Dispatch police patrol cars and officers; maintain accurate accounts of the location of patrol cars; assist police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintain radio dispatch records; and answer incoming radio calls from police units.
Receive and relay police information requested to the FBI, State Police, local and out‑of‑state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies.
Obtain 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.
Notify ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, and the Fire Department when necessary.
Operate two‑way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment.
Make entries into, and deletions from, automated files utilizing proper NCIC and MILES procedures.
Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.
Serve as a non‑sworn first responder.
Using headset and telephone, listen to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 emergency lines; talk with citizens on 911 telephone lines to obtain information about an emergency situation.
Use a computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.
Work requires shift work and overtime.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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 so as 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.
Graduation from high school or a GED; two or more years of experience with multi‑faced responsibilities; and skill in data entry keyboard functions.
Note: The two or more years of work experience with multi‑faced responsibilities may be substituted with two or more years of college or university education, equal to sixty or more college credit hours.
Note: Skill in 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.
Selection Procedures
Applicants will complete the online application.
Once the announcement closes, those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills. An email will be sent with instructions to take the aptitude (CritiCall) test.
Applicants who are successful with the aptitude (CritiCall) test will be invited to begin the initial background check and oral interview.
Applicants who are successful with 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 who are successful with the initial background check and oral interview will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
Applicants who successfully pass the comprehensive background investigation may receive a conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section.
Candidates must be able 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 in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.
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. An employee who completes continuous service with the County in the Police Communications Operator II classification will receive the following:
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
25 years of continuous service with the County – 18% increase of the current rate of pay
Testing CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2026, through February 2, 2026. The CritiCall test is available online (remotely). You can access/complete the test from any computer that is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. If you cannot complete the test remotely, please email Eric Stewart‑Craig at pestew23@aacounty.org or call at (410) 222‑7595 to make arrangements to take the CritiCall test onsite (in‑person) at Anne Arundel County Government's Office of Personnel located at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. You must present a valid photo identification, preferably a driver’s license, at check‑in. Applicants without valid identification, regardless of reason, will not be permitted.
Click here to access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide.
Keep up with us by following/liking our Facebook page! Check out the Police Communications Operator page on Anne Arundel County's website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Hiring Bonus Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for new Police Communications Operators.
NOTE: $2,500 will be paid upon successful hire and classroom training, and $2,500 will be paid upon successful completion of one (1) year of employment. In addition to the $5,000 hiring bonus for new Operators, 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.
A 9‑1‑1 Specialist can be defined as an employee of a county public safety answering point, or an employee working in a county public safety answering point, whose duties and responsibilities include: (1) receiving and processing 9‑1‑1 requests for emergency services; (2) other support functions directly related to 9‑1‑1 requests for emergency services; or (3) dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical services, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency.
National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Communications Course (ETC)
National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical, Fire or Police Dispatch protocols certification
NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course
APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course
State mandated certification
Come Join Us at the 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 and times:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Thursday, December 18, 2025: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Session #1: 16:00‑16:45; Session #2: 17:00‑17:45; Session #3: 18:00‑18:45
Registration links: Wednesday, December 3, 2025: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/iq-s46R0QPWYBLs4-xI4DA#/registration; Thursday, December 18, 2025: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/fw2yezprRNGfk-4l_4_Glw#/registration; Tuesday, January 6, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/YEoE_ewIQT2wvXVv_PKUKg#/registration.
Nature and Variety of Work Work involves serving as non‑sworn first responders to include responsibility for operating telephone, teletype, two‑way radio, and related communications equipment and for 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, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.
Dispatch police patrol cars and officers; maintain accurate accounts of the location of patrol cars; assist police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintain radio dispatch records; and answer incoming radio calls from police units.
Receive and relay police information requested to the FBI, State Police, local and out‑of‑state police departments, and various other law enforcement agencies.
Obtain 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.
Notify ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal lights crews, and the Fire Department when necessary.
Operate two‑way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment.
Make entries into, and deletions from, automated files utilizing proper NCIC and MILES procedures.
Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.
Serve as a non‑sworn first responder.
Using headset and telephone, listen to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 emergency lines; talk with citizens on 911 telephone lines to obtain information about an emergency situation.
Use a computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.
Work requires shift work and overtime.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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 so as 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.
Graduation from high school or a GED; two or more years of experience with multi‑faced responsibilities; and skill in data entry keyboard functions.
Note: The two or more years of work experience with multi‑faced responsibilities may be substituted with two or more years of college or university education, equal to sixty or more college credit hours.
Note: Skill in 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.
Selection Procedures
Applicants will complete the online application.
Once the announcement closes, those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to take an aptitude (CritiCall) test that measures audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy skills. An email will be sent with instructions to take the aptitude (CritiCall) test.
Applicants who are successful with the aptitude (CritiCall) test will be invited to begin the initial background check and oral interview.
Applicants who are successful with 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 who are successful with the initial background check and oral interview will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
Applicants who successfully pass the comprehensive background investigation may receive a conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section.
Candidates must be able 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 in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.
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. An employee who completes continuous service with the County in the Police Communications Operator II classification will receive the following:
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
25 years of continuous service with the County – 18% increase of the current rate of pay
Testing CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for January 20, 2026, through February 2, 2026. The CritiCall test is available online (remotely). You can access/complete the test from any computer that is fully compatible with the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. If you cannot complete the test remotely, please email Eric Stewart‑Craig at pestew23@aacounty.org or call at (410) 222‑7595 to make arrangements to take the CritiCall test onsite (in‑person) at Anne Arundel County Government's Office of Personnel located at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. You must present a valid photo identification, preferably a driver’s license, at check‑in. Applicants without valid identification, regardless of reason, will not be permitted.
Click here to access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide.
Keep up with us by following/liking our Facebook page! Check out the Police Communications Operator page on Anne Arundel County's website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr