Featured in our Police Communications Operator spotlight this month, we would like to introduce you to our very own Erika Malone.

The job of a PCO is an often overlooked but no less important role within the law enforcement field. Erika quickly receives information from emergency and nonemergency calls and dispatches police, fire, and/or EMS to alleviate situations that endanger or potentially endanger lives or property. While pursuing her undergraduate degree full time and being a full-time mom, Erika has been a full-time call taker and dispatcher for eight years, four of which were with University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department. We thank PCO Erika Malone for her service and continued relationship with UMBPD for years to come. Congratulations!

Q&A with Police Communications Officer Erika Malone

1. Who or what influenced you to become a part of law enforcement?
   • After 9/11, I started working for TSA and I loved what I did. It was my first job as essential emergency personnel and I knew it wouldn’t be my last. I relocated to Philadelphia for school and was presented with an opportunity to work for the Philadelphia Police Department as a 911 operator and dispatcher. I immediately jumped on the opportunity; which was an amazing experience since I have a passion for helping others. That opportunity led me back to Maryland, where I was offered an opportunity with the UMBPD centered on my experience and I gratefully took it!
2. Knowing your job can get stressful at times, how do you maintain your sanity?
   • “Netflix and Chill,” going to the movies, shopping, playing board games, writing poetry, going to the hair and nail salons, and spending quality fun times with family and friends.
3. What do you love to do in your spare time?
   • I love to travel. Any chance I get that I’m not busy with work, school, or home, I’m booking a trip! It’s very therapeutic and keeps my life balanced.
4. What is your greatest achievement on the job?
   • When I received Employee of the Month twice from my supervisor and being known as the dispatcher that’s “always calm, happy, and friendly on the air.” My consistent calmness, humbleness, and kindness to other co-workers in person, on the radio, or on the phone comes naturally. I love making people smile even in the most hectic times. It makes my day.
5. What is your greatest achievement outside of the job?
   • When my two children were born, when my son graduated high school and was accepted into Frostburg State University, when my daughter got accepted into the CURE Scholars program (PROUD MOM), when I attained my associate's degree and it motivated me to pursue my bachelor's, and most important, when I just graduated two weeks ago from University of Maryland University College with my bachelor's in psychology!!!
6. What makes for a great day on the job?
   • Knowing I assisted in getting a criminal or a weapon off the street, helped a victim or complainant, and helped to get our officers home safe.
7. Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

   • HAPPY. AT PEACE. MOTIVATED. DETERMINED. ESTABLISHED. I will have completed my master’s degree in counseling psychology to become an LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor) and will start my own business continuing to work with different law enforcement agencies to include UMBPD, counseling and providing support services for ALL first-responders but specifically police officers and dispatchers.