Police Communications Operator Jobs in Washington

Salary : $54,870.00 - $89,253.00 Annually
Location : Anne Arundel County, MD
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 08629
Department: Police
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Description
This is specialized work in receiving and dispatching messages in the Police Communications Center during an assigned shift.
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.
Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for NEW Anne Arundel County 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 Anne Arundel County Police Communications Operators, applicants with prior experience within the past two (2) years as a "9-1-1- Specialist"** as determined in the Annotated Code of Maryland Public Safety Article Title 1-301(n); and who has 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. ***"Basic telecommunicator course" means dealing with the basic skills required to function as a call taker or call allocator in a communications center. ****Prior experience will be determined upon possession of the below certifications that are current or within the two (2) year window. 1. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Communications Course (ETC) 2. National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) Emergency Medical, Fire or Police Dispatch protocols certification 3. NENA Telecommunicator Core Competencies course 4. APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I course 5. 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/times:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Monday, October 19, 2026
All weekday times are :
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:
Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class).
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; and 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.
Work requires shift work and overtime.
Performs 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.
Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
SELECTION PROCEDURES:
Applicants will need to follow any or all of the following the procedures listed below:
• 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.
Supplemental Qualifications
An observation at the 911 Communications Center is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED of candidates who successfully complete the interview process; this will consist of a 2-hour call taking observation period and/or a 2-hour dispatch observation period.
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
• 22 years of continuous service with the County - 18% increase of the current rate of pay
TESTING
CritiCall testing dates are tentatively scheduled for October 26, 2026, through November 6, 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 to access the CritiCall Candidate Test Preparation Guide.
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• 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 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
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Care Reimbursement
• Voluntary Benefits
  • Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction
  • Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider
  • United Legal Benefits

01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. Please do not respond to supplemental questions by indicating "See Resume". A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
Did you graduate from high school or do you possess a GED?

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please enter the School Name, Start Date, and End Date. Please be sure this information is also listed in the "Education" section of your application. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
04
Do you have two (2) or more years of experience with multifaceted responsibilities or an emergency services environment?

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please explain how you possess two (2) or more years of experience in multifaceted responsibilities or an emergency services environment. If you answered "No" to the previous question, please enter "N/A."
06
The two (2) or more years of work experience with multifaceted responsibilities or an emergency services environment may be substituted with two (2) or more years