Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who do I contact for more information about the profession?
2. What is Public Safety Communications (PSC)?
3. What are the differences between an Emergency Dispatch Aide (EDA) 9-1-1 Call Taker position and an Emergency Dispatcher I/II (ED I/II) position?
4. What are the OHS/PSC benefits?
5. What is the current shift work schedule?
6. What is the starting salary?
7. What does it mean to be considered an "essential employee"?
8. Will I have to complete a background investigation?
9. What if I can’t stay to complete or miss preliminary screening?
10. Where can I receive additional information concerning County positions?

Who do I contact for more information about the profession?
Kelly Marshall – Recruiter – (W) 301.352.1440 or email kamarshall@co.pg.md.us

What is Public Safety Communications (PSC)?
PSC is a division within the Office of Homeland Security (OHS).  The Emergency 9-1-1 Operations Center is the primary answering point for all 9-1-1 Telephone calls and the Police, Fire/Emergency Medical Services, and Sheriff Dispatch channels. 

What are the differences between an Emergency Dispatch Aide (EDA) 9-1-1 Call Taker position and an Emergency Dispatcher I/II (ED I/II) position?
The EDA / 9-1-1 Call Taker position is the same.  This is an entry- level position within PSC.  No previous experience is necessary and all training is provided by PSC.  The ED I/II position requires a minimum of one (1) year of previous experience dispatching personnel or equipment via two-way radio or a computer aided dispatch system; in a public safety or emergency medical services environment.  Additional training is provided by PSC.  The probationary period for the EDA is six (6) months and the ED I/II is one (1) year.  

What are the OHS/PSC benefits?
The Police Civilian Employees Association Union (PCEA) covers the EDA & ED positions.  Contracts are negotiated agreements made by and between Prince George's County, Maryland and the PCEA.  The below information is quoted from ratified contract beginning July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013.

1. Shift Differentials - First Shift $2.40 per hr. & Third Shift $2.00 per hr.;
2. Holiday Pay - 2 times regular rate if worked/ If RDO, receive another day off;
3. Overtime Pay - 1.5 times regular pay;
4. Communications Training Officer Pay - $1.50 per hour;
5. Cross Trainer Pay – 5% of certification pay;
6. Paid Break(s) - 25 minute break & 45 minute (unpaid meal) break per shift;
7. Headset Allowance - annual $50.00;
8. Leave - Accrued Annual (4.0 hrs.) / Sick Leave (4.5 hrs.) per pay period & (2) Personal Days / (1) Discretion Day per calendar year; 
9. Military Leave – 15 days per calendar year (Supplemental Deployment Leave);
10. Bi-Lingual Pay - $1,400.00 per year upon successful completion of a proficiency exam;
11. Employee Assistance Program;
12. Prince George’s Employee Federal Credit Union is available to county personnel;
13. New State of the Art Facility / Free Parking / Smoke Free Work Environment / Building Security System;
14. Life, Medical, Dental, Vision, RX Insurance plans and Deferred Compensation Plans available;
15. Career Path Opportunities - Sr. EDA (P15 = 5%) after 5 yrs. of continuous service.  ED I/II, ED III (Asst. Shift Supervisor) & ED IV (Shift Supervisor);
16. Maryland State Retirement System Plan – The Rule of 90 (sum of age + eligibility service = 90); Age 65 with 10 yrs eligibility service; or Age 60 with 15 yrs eligibility service.

What is the shift work schedule?
EDA personnel are assigned to either ten (10) or twelve (12) hour shifts based upon operational necessity.

What is the starting salary?
The employment opportunity announcement indicates the starting salary for the position applied. Absent extenuating circumstances, it is the Prince George’s County Government policy to hire at the entry level.  (Entry level effective 08/03/08 = EDA $32,166 & ED I/II $35,463). 

What does it mean to be considered an “essential employee”?
Due to the nature of the service provided, all OHS/PSC positions are considered "essential".  As an “essential employee” you will be required to work during inclement weather days, manmade or natural disasters, or even when the County Government is closed, and you must have reliable transportation.

Will I have to complete a background investigation?
Yes, all public safety employees must successfully complete a background investigation.  The civilian background investigation process can take approximately (4) to (6) months to be completed. The OHRM, Public Safety Investigations (PSI) will be responsible for conducting your background investigation.  If you have completed a public safety background investigation in the past, please inform PSI at the preliminary screening phase of the process.

What if I can’t stay to complete or miss preliminary screening?
PSI conducts preliminary screening every Tuesday and Thursday (2:00 p.m.) at the Central Communications Facility at 7911 Anchor Street, Landover, Maryland 20785. 

DIRECTIONS:
Take the Capital Beltway (US 495) to Central Avenue (Md. Rte 214) Exit 15 westbound towards Washington, DC.  Proceed through two traffic intersections (Brightseat Road & Garrett Morgan Blvd.) and at the bottom of the hill turn right onto Jonquil Avenue.  Then turn right onto Anchor Street.  Proceed through the gate and turn left into the parking lot for visitors.

Walk up the sidewalk to the front entrance of the building (flag poles) and press the buzzer on the left side of the door.  The switchboard operator will ask for your name and business at PSI.  Let them know who you are and that you are there to attend preliminary screening.

Where can I receive additional information concerning County positions?
To check on open announcements within the county please utilize the Internet web site address www.princegeorgescountymd.govor the County Job Hot Line at (301) 883-6200.

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