Brunswick Police Department
28 Federal Street
Brunswick, Maine 04011
(207)725-5521 Emergency 9-1-1

The Brunswick Police Department currently employs eight full time communications officers and one Communications Supervisor who work  rotating shifts to provide 24 hour service, 365 days a year. The Communications division currently handles E-9-1-1 calls for Cumberland, Yarmouth and Freeport in addition to Brunswick. During the year of 2007 the Communications Division handled over 30,000 calls for service along with thousands of routine requests for information, transfers to other department members and referrals to other agencies.
The need for qualified, well trained personnel to handle emergency calls for service has grown over the years. The position is no longer considered a stepping-stone for someone interested in becoming a police officer, fireman or paramedic or as special assignment for injured officers. Communications officers attend ongoing training for computer applications, handling of emergency fire and police calls, suicidal callers, domestic violence and E-911 operations. All personnel are trained as Emergency Medical Dispatchers and provide pre-arrival medical instructions such as CPR over the phone.
Communication officers are the ‘silent partners’ of emergency service responders. They handle all non-emergency and emergency requests including 911, operate multi-channel radios and make computer entries as well as send and receive information to be disseminated over the national law enforcement system teletype. Decisions and actions must be made with speed and accuracy. Members of the Communications Division perform these services with professionalism and pride, continuing to be the "vital link" from the moment a phone call is made until the emergency services officer clears from the scene.

Minimum qualifications......

• high school diploma / GED
• successfully complete Brunswick Police Department testing

The selection process will include;
            written test - oral board - background investigation - polygraph test - hearing examination
            medical examination - psychological screening

Salary and benefits (based on 2007-2008)

Wages
            Step A     $580.40
            Step B     $605-52
            Step C     $633.44
            Step D     $661.92
            Step E     $691.72
            

Longevity Bonus
            8-12 years of service $.85 per hour
            13-17 years of service $.95 per hour
            18+ years of service $1.05 per hour

Health Insurance
            Employee pays 15% (pre-tax)

Retirement Program
            Half pay with cost of living after 25 years service upon reaching the age of 60
            Optional deferred compensation plans

Educational Incentive Pay Program
            Incentive pay earned yearly based on selected college credits

Tuition Assistance
            Employer paid tuition and books up to 100%

Residency
            No residency requirement

Probation
            1 year from date of hire

Clothing / Equipment
            Employer pays 100% of initial uniform / equipment issue
            $400.00 annual clothing allowance