State of Maryland

A Maryland State Police (MSP) Emergency Dispatcher III is the lead or advanced level of communications work in a law enforcement operation. Employees in this classification provide services to law enforcement and other authorized agencies operating the MDSP communications equipment, computer workstations and software packages at the barrack assigned. Employees in this classification dispatch, monitor, collect, organize, analyze, prioritize, and report emergency and non-emergency incidents on a regional and statewide radio communications system, as well as a statewide Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System (METERS), NCIC and any other statewide/federal databases which may affect the officers and public safety. Employees in this classification that function as lead workers assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers. Employees that function as advanced workers complete National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Validations of information housed in the NCIC database, select service radio transmissions and phone calls for subpoena and management review, and complete Quality Assurance Checks (QACs) of service calls to ensure customer interactions are aligned with department procedures. Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the local supervisor.  Employees will be assigned to day, evening or night or rotating shifts to include weekends and holidays.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

The MSP Emergency Dispatcher III is differentiated from the MSP Emergency Dispatcher II in that the MSP Emergency Dispatcher III either assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers or performs advanced level duties by completing NCIC Validations of information housed in the NCIC database, selecting service radio transmissions and phone calls for subpoena and management review, and completing QACs of service calls to ensure customer interactions are aligned with department procedures, while the MSP Emergency Dispatcher II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision. The MSP Emergency Dispatcher III is differentiated from the MSP Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor in that the MSP Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers.

When functioning at the Lead level:

Assigns, reviews and approves the work of lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers;

Trains lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers;

Operates emergency communications equipment, computer workstations and software packages at the assigned barrack;

Receives and transmits information via multi-channel radio, telephone and computer terminal equipment;

Monitors, collects, organizes and analyzes reports of emergency incidents on a statewide and regional basis which may affect Maryland public safety and public safety personnel;

Requests or provides information regarding traffic records, statistics, driver’s license and automobile registration;

Completes daily incident reports, noting any key issues or trends that should be brought to the attention of the shift supervisor or road personnel;

Attends all required classes, seminars, workshops and other educational opportunities designed to maintain or enhance emergency analyses and communication skills;

May sign timesheets and approve leave of lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers, in the absence of the supervisor;

Performs other related duties.

When functioning at the Advanced level:

Completes National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Validations of information housed in the NCIC database;

Selects service radio transmissions and phone calls for subpoena and management review;

Completes Quality Assurance Checks (QACs) of service calls to ensure customer interactions are aligned with department procedures;

Operates emergency communications equipment, computer workstations, and software packages at the assigned barrack;

Receives and transmits information via multi-channel radio, telephone, and computer terminal equipment;

Monitors, collects, organizes, and analyzes reports of emergency incidents on a statewide and regional basis which may affect Maryland public safety and public safety personnel;

Requests or provides information regarding traffic records, statistics, driver’s license and automobile registration;

Completes daily incident reports, noting any key issues or trends that should be brought to the attention of the shift supervisor or road personnel;

Attends all required classes, seminars, workshops and other educational opportunities designed to maintain or enhance emergency analyses and communication skills;

May assign and review work, sign timesheets and approve leave of lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers, in the absence of the supervisor;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge and use of the procedures, methods and standard of law enforcement automated data storage, retrieval and transmission systems;

Knowledge of principles and practices of business and public administration;

Knowledge of emergency response communications equipment and systems to include interoperable communication systems used in responding to emergencies;

Skill in presenting effective employee training procedures;

Skill in multi-channel radios, keyboards and computer terminals;

Ability to obtain, prioritize and disseminate information under stressful conditions;

Ability to clearly communicate information with others at regional, state and local levels concerning the response to emergency incidents;

Ability to complete and maintain logs, reports and databases of emergency response communications work;

Ability to type accurately at a minimum of twenty words per minute;

Ability to communicate precisely and clearly in emergency situations;

Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in stressful situations.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.  

Experience: Four years of experience as an Emergency Dispatcher.

Note: Successful completion of the MSP training program.

1. Applicants for positions in this classification will be subject to an extensive background investigation prior to appointment.

2. Employees in this classification will be required to provide the employing barrack with a telephone number where they can be reached.

3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using barrack specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B, Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.