911 Call Taker/Dispatcher (Police Communications Operator I/II)
Anne Arundel County, El Segundo, CA, United States
Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker) – Salary: $50,981.00 - $82,035.00 Annually ($24.51 - $39.44 Hourly)
Police Communications Operator II – Salary: $53,539.00 - $86,237.00 Annually ($25.74 - $41.46 Hourly)
Overview – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
This is specialized work in receiving messages and citizen calls for police and emergency services at the Anne Arundel County Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. Work involves serving as a non‑sworn first responder, answering the switchboard and administrative lines, operating telephones, the 911 console, and related communications equipment, and performing related clerical tasks. Positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, recording, and processing of incoming calls for police service and other messages. Work is performed independently within departmental procedures, rules, and regulations, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.
Responsibilities – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Rapidly and accurately process incoming calls, including 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 to the proper person or agency; maintain neat, complete, and up‑to‑date logs.
Operate the 911 Emergency Call Console, answer incoming emergency and non‑emergency calls, and route calls to the proper person or agency.
Interpret incoming information to initiate the proper response by transferring calls, making referrals, relaying information, or providing direction to the caller.
Act as a non‑sworn first responder.
Evaluate emergency information and conditions, respond to stressful calls in a controlled manner.
Classify information for police service calls into proper CAD nature code; enter data accurately into CAD system.
Access CAD system files as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Learn and apply policies and procedures as set forth in the Communication Section SOPs.
Demonstrate knowledge of the geography of the County, streets, and main highways.
Learn operation of communications equipment used by Call Takers.
Show sensitivity and willingness to help callers; provide correct responses to callers’ concerns.
Follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Speak clearly and concisely with a well‑modulated voice in both stress and non‑stress situations.
Maintain records and perform routine clerical work.
Operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.
Understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.
Qualifications – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Graduation from high school or GED.
One (1) year of responsible work experience.
Six (6) or more months of experience with data entry keyboard functions.
One (1) year of responsible work experience may be substituted with one (1) or more years of college or university education equal to 30 or more credit hours.
Data entry keyboard functions include any electronic input such as computer entry, phone entry, tablet entry, and other related keyboarding input.
Overview – Police Communications Operator II
This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. Work involves serving as a non‑sworn first responder, operating telephone, teletype, two‑way radio, and related communications equipment, and performing related clerical tasks. Positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages from and to police vehicles and personnel.
Responsibilities – Police Communications Operator II
Dispatch police patrol cars and officers; maintain accurate accounts of patrol car locations.
Assist police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintain radio dispatch records; answer incoming radio calls from police units.
Receive and relay police information to FBI, State Police, local and out‑of‑state police departments, and other law enforcement agencies.
Obtain computer information requested by patrol officers, such as license plate checks for stolen cars and wanted person checks.
Notify ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal light crews, and the Fire Department as necessary.
Operate two‑way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment.
Make entries into and deletions from automated files using proper NCIC and MILES procedures.
Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.
Serve as a non‑sworn first responder.
Use headset and telephone to listen to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 lines.
Use computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.
Work required: shift work, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call back.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Police Communications Operator II
Knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways.
Basic knowledge of police functions, operations, relevant laws, and statutes related to communications.
Quickly learn operation of teletype, radio, and other communications equipment.
Speak clearly and concisely with a well‑modulated voice to provide understandable information to police officers, citizens, and agencies.
Maintain records and perform routine clerical work.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.
Understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.
Qualifications – Police Communications Operator II
Graduation from high school or GED.
Two (2) or more years of work experience with multi‑faceted responsibilities.
One (1) or more years of experience with data entry keyboard functions.
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 credit hours.
Benefits
Up to 12 months of employment: 9% increase for satisfactory performance.
Longevity pay: 5% increase after 7 years, 10% after 11 years, 15% after 16 years, 18% after 25 years.
Hiring bonus: $5,000 for new operators. $2,500 paid after successful hire and classroom training; $2,500 paid after successful completion of one (1) year of employment. Additional $2,500 for operators with recent 9‑1‑1 specialist experience and completed Basic Telecommunicator Course.
Selection Procedures
Complete the online application.
Take an aptitude (CritiCall) test measuring audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy.
Undergo initial background check and oral interview.
Successful candidates are encouraged to attend a 2‑hour call‑taking observation period and/or a 2‑hour dispatch observation period at the 911 Communications Center.
Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
Conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, and call back; continuous 24‑hour/365‑day operation.
Position is safety sensitive; employees subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance and Alcohol testing.
Virtual Open House Schedule
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
All sessions: must register in advance. Registration URLs:
Wednesday, March 18, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/0Vn_qjUERZurRVIUQLIKpA#/registration
Thursday, April 9, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/NBE2hHPXRTegpyRhHlsH-A#/registration
Tuesday, April 28, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/aXl3c8MwRfmsrEDbrZKoeQ#/registration
Testing
CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2026, through May 22, 2026. The test is available online. If unable to complete remotely, applicants may arrange onsite testing at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. Applicants must present valid photo identification at check‑in.
Access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide here: https://example.com/critical_test_guide (replace with actual URL).
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Police Communications Operator II – Salary: $53,539.00 - $86,237.00 Annually ($25.74 - $41.46 Hourly)
Overview – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
This is specialized work in receiving messages and citizen calls for police and emergency services at the Anne Arundel County Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. Work involves serving as a non‑sworn first responder, answering the switchboard and administrative lines, operating telephones, the 911 console, and related communications equipment, and performing related clerical tasks. Positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, recording, and processing of incoming calls for police service and other messages. Work is performed independently within departmental procedures, rules, and regulations, and is reviewed by superiors through observation, conferences, and reports.
Responsibilities – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Rapidly and accurately process incoming calls, including 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 to the proper person or agency; maintain neat, complete, and up‑to‑date logs.
Operate the 911 Emergency Call Console, answer incoming emergency and non‑emergency calls, and route calls to the proper person or agency.
Interpret incoming information to initiate the proper response by transferring calls, making referrals, relaying information, or providing direction to the caller.
Act as a non‑sworn first responder.
Evaluate emergency information and conditions, respond to stressful calls in a controlled manner.
Classify information for police service calls into proper CAD nature code; enter data accurately into CAD system.
Access CAD system files as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Learn and apply policies and procedures as set forth in the Communication Section SOPs.
Demonstrate knowledge of the geography of the County, streets, and main highways.
Learn operation of communications equipment used by Call Takers.
Show sensitivity and willingness to help callers; provide correct responses to callers’ concerns.
Follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
Speak clearly and concisely with a well‑modulated voice in both stress and non‑stress situations.
Maintain records and perform routine clerical work.
Operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.
Understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.
Qualifications – Police Communications Operator I (Call Taker)
Graduation from high school or GED.
One (1) year of responsible work experience.
Six (6) or more months of experience with data entry keyboard functions.
One (1) year of responsible work experience may be substituted with one (1) or more years of college or university education equal to 30 or more credit hours.
Data entry keyboard functions include any electronic input such as computer entry, phone entry, tablet entry, and other related keyboarding input.
Overview – Police Communications Operator II
This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift. Work involves serving as a non‑sworn first responder, operating telephone, teletype, two‑way radio, and related communications equipment, and performing related clerical tasks. Positions require fast, efficient, and accurate receiving, dispatching, and processing of calls and messages from and to police vehicles and personnel.
Responsibilities – Police Communications Operator II
Dispatch police patrol cars and officers; maintain accurate accounts of patrol car locations.
Assist police officers in locating streets and addresses; maintain radio dispatch records; answer incoming radio calls from police units.
Receive and relay police information to FBI, State Police, local and out‑of‑state police departments, and other law enforcement agencies.
Obtain computer information requested by patrol officers, such as license plate checks for stolen cars and wanted person checks.
Notify ambulances, towing services, road maintenance crews, signal light crews, and the Fire Department as necessary.
Operate two‑way radios, teletype machines, MILES communications terminal, teleprinter, and related communications equipment.
Make entries into and deletions from automated files using proper NCIC and MILES procedures.
Prepare and maintain necessary records and reports.
Serve as a non‑sworn first responder.
Use headset and telephone to listen to information and requests for police assistance made via 911 lines.
Use computer terminal to enter detailed information about calls for services.
Work required: shift work, overtime, weekends, holidays, and call back.
Perform related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – Police Communications Operator II
Knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways.
Basic knowledge of police functions, operations, relevant laws, and statutes related to communications.
Quickly learn operation of teletype, radio, and other communications equipment.
Speak clearly and concisely with a well‑modulated voice to provide understandable information to police officers, citizens, and agencies.
Maintain records and perform routine clerical work.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information.
Understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.
Qualifications – Police Communications Operator II
Graduation from high school or GED.
Two (2) or more years of work experience with multi‑faceted responsibilities.
One (1) or more years of experience with data entry keyboard functions.
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 credit hours.
Benefits
Up to 12 months of employment: 9% increase for satisfactory performance.
Longevity pay: 5% increase after 7 years, 10% after 11 years, 15% after 16 years, 18% after 25 years.
Hiring bonus: $5,000 for new operators. $2,500 paid after successful hire and classroom training; $2,500 paid after successful completion of one (1) year of employment. Additional $2,500 for operators with recent 9‑1‑1 specialist experience and completed Basic Telecommunicator Course.
Selection Procedures
Complete the online application.
Take an aptitude (CritiCall) test measuring audio interpretation, multitasking, keyboarding, and data entry accuracy.
Undergo initial background check and oral interview.
Successful candidates are encouraged to attend a 2‑hour call‑taking observation period and/or a 2‑hour dispatch observation period at the 911 Communications Center.
Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive background investigation.
Conditional offer of employment with Anne Arundel County Communications Section.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays, and call back; continuous 24‑hour/365‑day operation.
Position is safety sensitive; employees subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance and Alcohol testing.
Virtual Open House Schedule
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – Session #1: 1600‑1645; Session #2: 1700‑1745; Session #3: 1800‑1845.
All sessions: must register in advance. Registration URLs:
Wednesday, March 18, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/0Vn_qjUERZurRVIUQLIKpA#/registration
Thursday, April 9, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/NBE2hHPXRTegpyRhHlsH-A#/registration
Tuesday, April 28, 2026: https://aacounty.zoom.us/meeting/register/aXl3c8MwRfmsrEDbrZKoeQ#/registration
Testing
CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2026, through May 22, 2026. The test is available online. If unable to complete remotely, applicants may arrange onsite testing at 2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. Applicants must present valid photo identification at check‑in.
Access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide here: https://example.com/critical_test_guide (replace with actual URL).
#J-18808-Ljbffr