State of Maryland

A Maryland State Police (MSP) Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor is the supervisory level of communications work in an MSP operation.  Employees in this classification supervise lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers engaged in providing services to law enforcement and other authorized agencies through the operation of computer terminals and multichannel police radio equipment, computer workstations and software packages.  Employees in this classification review and audit the work completed by lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers in their unit and oversee the training of new employees.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Barrack Assistant Commander or Commander. Employees will be assigned to day, evening or night or rotating shifts to include weekends and holidays and are subject to call in and overtime based on staffing needs.

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 Supervisor is differentiated from the MSP Emergency Dispatcher III in that the MSP Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers while 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.

Assigns and reviews work, signs timesheets, approves leave, evaluates job performance and disciplines subordinate staff in the MSP communications operation;

Supervises lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers;

Evaluates existing and proposed communications procedures and equipment and may make recommendations regarding their adoption, modification or procurement to the Barrack Supervisor;

Oversees the training of new lower-level MSP Emergency Dispatchers in their command;

Prepares and coordinates shift schedules and work distribution assignments;

Maintains and distributes various communication procedural manuals;

Prepares and maintains various statistical and activity logs and records;

Submits a review of production data and work reports of communications services to the regional supervisor, for further review, to ensure efficient and effective operations;

Oversees quality control and validation process for their assignment;

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

May be required to train new employees;

Performs other related duties.

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

Knowledge of computer terminals, multi-channel radio equipment and operating procedures;

Knowledge of principles and practices of business and public administration;

Knowledge of message retention schedules and storage techniques;

Skill in implementing operational procedures and evaluating their effectiveness and efficiency;

Skill in presenting implemented employee training procedures;

Skill in determining the need for personnel, equipment and supplies;

Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of others;

Ability to understand and give clear directions and instructions;

Ability to communicate precisely and clearly in emergency situations;

Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in stressful situations;

Ability to establish an effective working relationship with employees, allied agency personnel and the general public.

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

Experience: Five years of experience as an Emergency Dispatcher and the successful completion of the MSP training Program and Communications Training Officer program.

1. Employees in this classification must be certified as a Communications Training Officer (CTO).

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties may be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

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 not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by 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.