State of Maryland

An MSP Technical Surveillance Unit Specialist is the full performance level of work in the installation, repair and maintenance of electronic surveillance equipment and systems.  Employees in this highly technical classification provide physical electronic assistance, detailed data analysis and plans/implements various methods of technical electronic support to investigators with the Maryland State Police (MSP) and other federal, State and local law enforcement agencies related to electronic surveillance and communication interceptions.  Employees in this classification support the MSP mission through the ability to identify criminal elements and gather intelligence in situations that are not possible to access through the use of traditional law enforcement techniques.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but do provide technical advice and guidance to Division and Section Commanders.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from the unit supervisor or sworn personnel.  Work is performed in a variety of conditions from inside controlled environments to outside during extreme weather conditions. Employees in this classification are subject to 24-hour on-call duty and are designated as emergency essential.

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 the Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Uses a vast knowledge of the many facets of electronic surveillance equipment and its proper deployment in support of the agency’s mission;

Understands the investigator's goal when utilizing electronic surveillance equipment, its physical limitations and any legal requirements that must be met;

Utilizes and properly deploys electronic surveillance equipment;

Operates video and digital photographic equipment, computer network routers and switches, computers, modems, and counter surveillance systems;

Builds and maintains covert video surveillance equipment;

Intercepts equipment for electronic communications including Title III wire taps and pen registers; 

Interprets and analyzes data from intercepts including telephone carrier records, call detail records and location information;

Creates mapping and patterns of life to determine the use of a mode of operation and characteristics of radio frequencies;

Operates a variety of equipment such as propagation and direction finding equipment, global positioning satellite systems and operations;

Evaluates and recommends equipment purchases;

Conducts surveillance equipment inventory and assignment;

Maintains operational files per MSP policy and procedures for MSP Technical Surveillance Unit operations;

Documents all work performed related to criminal investigations that utilize electronic surveillance equipment for any prosecutorial needs to include court testimony;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of State and federal laws pertaining to pen register/trap trace and wire interception and required court orders;

Knowledge of the operation of electronic communications such as Title III wiretaps and pen register intercept equipment;

Knowledge of radio frequency characteristics and operation of variety of equipment relating to propagation and direction finding;

Knowledge of global positioning satellite systems and operations;

Knowledge of the operation of video and digital photographic equipment;

Knowledge of audio and video enhancement systems and common practices;

Knowledge of radio transmitting and receiving practices;

Knowledge of counter surveillance techniques and the ability to detect illegally placed surveillance equipment;

Knowledge of basic computer networking as it relates to installing and maintaining audio and video surveillance systems;

Knowledge of the use of specialized vehicles for surveillance operations and vehicles used to install covert surveillance equipment;

Knowledge of electricity and electronic circuitry; , high voltage installations; , bucket truck operations;, proper traffic control and safety operations in work zones;

Skill in installing communications and covert surveillance equipment, machines, wiring or programs to meet specifications;

Skill in repairing equipment, machines, or systems using appropriate instruments and tools;

Skill in the use of test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal simulators, or transponders to detect and locate malfunctions;

Ability to make adjustments and repairs to transmitters, receivers and related surveillance equipment;

Ability to build and maintain covert video surveillance systems;

Ability to analyze data from intercepts to include telephone carrier records, call detail records, and location information and create mapping to determine pattern of life;

Ability to safely operate and maintain manual and power tools;

Ability to understand and follow schematics;

Ability to maintain detailed records of all work and maintenance on electronic equipment;

Ability to assist in and make informed recommendations for the purchase of equipment and software;

Ability to maintain surveillance equipment inventory and maintenance.

Education:  Successful completion of a two year program of study in electronics engineering technician theory, practice, equipment and related information technology from an accredited trade school.

Experience: Four years of experience installing, repairing and maintaining covert surveillance and communications systems and equipment.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours in Electrical Engineering, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems to include course work in machine or assembler computer languages and operating system and data communication technology  from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Electrical Engineering Technician classifications or Electrical Technician specialty codes in the Electronic Equipment Installation and Maintenance field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience. 

1. Candidates for this classification will be subject to a complete criminal background investigation and a polygraph examination before permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the applicant.

2. Employees in this classification are assigned duties which will require the individual to be examined by a physician. After an offer of employment, applicants will be given a medical examination to certify the ability to perform the essential job functions.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency 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 assigned to Bargaining Unit G- Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  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.  

Director, Division of Classification and Salary