“People just don’t feel comfortable talking because that person that isn’t supposed to be there is there and for their safety, they can’t make that phone call,” SunComm Yakima 911 public safety communications manager Erica McNamara said.
Earlier this summer, the Washington State Patrol did something it’s never done before: close one of its eight regional communication centers used to answer 911 calls and dispatch troopers and other first responders to emergencies.
The center, located in Wenatchee, had been plagued for years by understaffing and the situation showed no sign of improvement. So, the decision was made to pull the plug and route those calls to other centers elsewhere in the state.
ANAHEIM—At its annual trade show, the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) yesterday announced the release of its “Definitive Guide to Next-Generation 911” and, hours later, issued a press release to clarify its position on the i3 standard developed by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
The city of Springfield, Massachusetts is planning to spend millions of dollars to improve its emergency communications.
The Springfield City Council authorized a $3.4 million bond to cover the cost of upgrading technology at the centralized dispatch center.
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — The debate over emergency services in North Olmsted isn’t finished yet, council members passed legislation surrounding the city’s dispatch centers, but residents like Alejandro Chock aren’t on board.
“I’m very concerned that for a period of time, beginning with any transition, should we should we actually make the move that we’ll have no dispatchers in North Olmstead that have local expertise,” said Chock.
