Emergency Dispatcher
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Maryland Department of State Police Emergency Dispatchers (MDSPED) serve as a vital link for both Troopers and the public. They are the initial point of contact for all 911 calls and manage the dispatch of numerous routine service requests. Operating around the clock, every day of the year, they are responsible for multi-channel radios, telephones, and monitoring computer terminals.
Qualifications
Emergency Dispatchers must be able to communicate calmly, precisely and clearly in emergency situations, maintaining professionalism at all times.
You must be flexible and open to day, evening, night or a combination of rotating shifts to include holidays, weekends and are subject to call in and overtime based on staffing needs.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants can access job openings at https://dbm.maryland.gov, and use the keyword search to research current vacancies and locations of vacancies within the state.
Training
New hires will undergo 12 weeks of training before completing the program. A trainee in the MDSPED program can anticipate the following weekly training structure:
- Week one: Meet employees and command staff at the , tour the facilities and learn rules of the .
- Week two: Learn to use radio systems, document transmissions, communicate clearly and concisely with first responders, and follow established protocols,
- Week three: Learn how to use the phone system, answer routine calls, and handle emergency calls.
- Week four: Answering routine calls and emergency calls for service.
- Week five: Learn how to use the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to manage calls, track resources, and dispatch responders.
- Week six: Maryland Electronic Telecommunications and Enforcement Resource Systems/NCIC training.
- Week seven: If the trainee has proven proficient in all of the above skills, the CTO will start them communicating on the radio, and begin using METERS and the CAD.
- Week eight through Week twelve: prove independent working skills with the CTO observing.
Most trainees are not released from training for at least 12 weeks due to the amount of information and occupational skills needed for this position. They must also attend a Basic PCO class within the first 6 months of hire.
At no time during the training process is a trainee to be left without supervision during their shift. The CTO will closely monitor the trainee during all interactions with the public, other employees and allied agencies.
Dispatchers are required to complete continuing education to maintain their certifications and stay up-to-date on best practices including
Annual Training: MSPEDs I, II, III and Supervisors are given 24 hrs of in-service training each year. Every other year, the Supervisor's in-service will have additional training modules. The training modules have included CAD, NCIC, personal development, emergency call handling and conflict management.
Career Development Training: The Professional Development Unit within the Education and Training Division offers a catalog of training courses for both sworn and civilian personnel.
Pay information
- Emergency Dispatcher Trainee $49,270 Annual
- Emergency Dispatcher I $55,786 Annual
- Emergency Dispatcher II $59,398 Annual
- Emergency Dispatcher III $61,415 Annual
- Emergency Dispatcher Supervisor $69,876 Annual
Emergency Dispatcher roles, from Trainee to Supervisor, are distinguished by the level of experience required and the corresponding degree of supervision received.
MDSP Emergency Dispatcher I is an automatic upgrade upon successful completion of training.