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) 301.499.8102 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 are 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, 2005 through June 30, 2007.

1. Wages & Benefits – COLA Increase 2.5% raise 08/01/05 & 2.5% raise 07/01/06 
2. Shift Differentials - First Shift $2.40 per hr. & Third Shift $2.00 per hr.
3. Holiday Pay - 2 times regular rate if worked/ If RDO, receive another day off
4. Overtime Pay - 1.5 times regular pay
5. Trainer Pay & Cross Trainer Pay - $1.00 per hour
6. Paid Break - 25 minute break & 45 minute unpaid meal break per shift
7. Headset Allowance - annual $50.00 earpiece
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 - $1,300.00 per year (successfully complete a proficiency exam)
11. Employee Assistance Program
12. Credit Union
13. Free Parking / Smoke Free Work Environment / Employee Photo ID System
14. Direct Deposit
15. 457 Deferred Compensation Plans Available
16. Career Path Opportunities - Sr. EDA after 5 yrs. of continuous service. ED I/II, III (Asst. Shift Supervisor) and IV (Shift Supervisor)
17. Supplemental Retirement - 30 yr. X 1% every yr. worked = 30% +33% (Supp.) = 63% @ 30 yr.

What is the current shift work schedule?
Four twelve hour schedule (two days beginning at 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. & two nights beginning at 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.) with four consecutive days off.  Management is currently reviewing a four ten-hour schedule (a permanent midnight shift and a rotating day-work & evening shift).

What is the starting salary?
The announcement bulletin indicates a salary (starting through mid-point range) 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 07/09/06 = EDA $30,616 & ED I/II $33,755).

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 and to 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 covers the last (5) years of your life and can take approximately (6) to (8) months to be completed. OHRM, Public Safety Recruitment (PSR) will be responsible for conducting your background investigation. If you have completed a public safety background investigation in the past, please inform PSR at the preliminary screening phase.

What if I can’t stay to complete or miss preliminary screening?
PSR conducts preliminary screening every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. @ CCF located at 7911 Anchor Street, Landover, Maryland 20785 301.324.2900. DIRECTIONS:

Take the Capital Beltway (US 495) to Central Avenue (Md. Rte 214) Exit 15 westbound towards DC. Proceed through two traffic intersections (Brightseat Road & Garrett Morgan Blvd.) and at the bottom of the hill turn right onto Jonquil Avenue. 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 CCF. Inform them of who you are and that you are here for an interview with the Director of Public Safety Communications.  

Where can I receive additional information concerning County positions?
To check on open announcements within the county please utilize the Internet web site address http://agency.governmentjobs.com/pgc/ or the County Job Hot Line at (301) 883-6200.

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