Job Description

This is a responsible technical level position within the Bel Air Police Department. The primary purpose of this position is to receive calls for service, dispatch calls for service to police officers, and perform other related or required services. Work in this class requires the exercise of judgment and the ability to carry out responsibilities in a calm and professional manner through stressful and difficult situations.

The Town of Bel Air Police Department is seeking a Full Time Dispatcher - Police Communications Operator that is available to work rotating day (7-3) and evening (3-11) shifts and occasional midnight (11-7) shifts, including weekends and holidays; 40 hours per week.

Fiscal Year 2027 Police Dispatcher - Police Communications Operator I Pay Range: From: $48,541 To: $85,277.

Responsibilities

• Operate radio equipment, receive, and dispatch in accordance with departmental rules and regulations, as well as those of the Federal Communications Commission.
• Obtain detailed information on calls for service and dispatch information to resolve a complaint as rapidly, efficiently, and SAFELY as possible; secures back-up for officers in need.
• Must possess the ability to interact with the public in a polite and professional manner.
• Operate the MILES terminal to retrieve driver's license, registration, stolen property, warrant, missing persons, and criminal history information within and outside the State of Maryland. Enter and clean stolen property, warrants and missing person's information in the MILES and NCIC network.
• Maintain security for all reports for which NCIC entries are made and update entries monthly. Accountable for the security of arrest books and statement of charges. Maintain logs for police radio communication, telephone calls, tow service, complaints, and MILES terminal queries and entries.
• Compose and send correspondence to numerous agencies through the MILES and NLETD computer systems. File all logs and correspondences for the Communications Section. Retrieve information requested by the Bel Air Police Officers from the files.
• Monitor direct fire alarm, scanner, and County-wide radio frequency.
• Accept questions from the public and assist or make referrals to other governmental or public agencies. Screen all visitors and telephone calls for police personnel. Explain departmental policies, procedures, and programs to the public.
• Satisfactory completion of Bel Air Police Communications Operator's Training Program.
• The Police Communications Officer must adapt to changes in working conditions, which include working nights, weekends, holidays, and changing shift configurations.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to obtain call taking and dispatch certifications with the National Academies of Emergency Dispatching.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to analyze situations quickly, unemotionally, and objectively to determine course of action.
• Ability to sit for sustained periods of time.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws governing release of information and FCC regulations governing confidentiality. Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws involving criminal offenses.
• Familiarity with streets, business, etc., in and around the Town of Bel Air.
• Competent in map reading and able to find locations quickly.
• Dexterity to accomplish several tasks at one time.
• Ability to type 35 words per minute, operate computer terminals and dispatch console to transcribe handwritten copy and/or simultaneous oral communications.
• Microsoft Office 365 and computer database and data entry skills and experience required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized high school or possession of a GED.
• Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system knowledge and experience is preferred.
• Prefer experience with the “Ten Code” and 6 months of dispatch experience (i.e., trucking company, fire company, a law enforcement agency).
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates preferred.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a citizen of the U.S. at the time of appointment.

Company Description

The Town of Bel Air’s central location as the county seat has earned the town the slogan as "The Heart of Harford," with the various county and state agencies, regional medical facilities, shopping, entertainment, and recreation opportunities conveniently placed within easy access for citizens of Harford County Maryland. The town’s excellent schools, safe and clean neighborhoods, and historic district add to its appeal for residents and businesses.

We are always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to help us uphold our mission to provide outstanding services that meet the changing needs of its citizens and businesses, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all who live and work here. If you want to help us uphold our values of service, respect, communication, and accountability, then we encourage you to continue with this applicant friendly, online job application!

The Town of Bel Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• HSA (Health Savings Account)
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health Expenses on a Pre-tax Basis
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Retirement - Pension (Defined Benefit Plan)
• Retirement - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Annual Leave Paid Vacation
• Sick & Safe Leave
• Holidays Paid Leave
• Personal Leave
• Funeral Leave
• Family & Medical Leave
• Military Leave
• Civil Leave (jury duty)
• Service, Safety and Attendance Award Program
• Employee Assistance Program