by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 17, 2018 | Articles, Comm Center News
Many of the most prominent modern emergency response challenges stem from a lack of complete situational visibility … and the guesswork that follows.
But imagine a future where automatic surveillance helps officers eliminate surprises when responding to a break-in and understand everything from the entry point to the number of armed individuals inside. Or one where EMS teams can immediately access OnStar data to deploy an adequate number of responders to an accident site and ensure full and proper treatment.
Thanks to elevated CAD systems with Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) technology, this future already is a reality. More emergency response teams are turning to these tools to raise their intelligence while minimizing their reliance on manual dispatching and routing processes.
Better yet, many adopters are quickly realizing the unlimited potential of next-level CAD technology to deliver benefits beyond fundamental response.
Guilford Metro 9-1-1 (NC), for example, expanded its CAD response platform to improve overall department efficiency. Thus far, the integration has proven fruitful, as the center has reduced its dispatch time from several minutes to a few seconds, while enabling employees to respond to more calls and eliminate operational bottlenecks.
However, while Guilford Metro 9-1-1 public safety IT manager Glenn Lamb notes excitement around these improvements, he sees even greater opportunity for the next generation of CAD to improve public safety.
“Next-generation CAD paves the way for the future,” said Lamb. “I can have a video link from security cameras or even use Ring, for instance, and see a doorbell. I can also pull information from a fire alarm panel, and even access crash impact ratings from OnStar.”
In particular, Lamb believes these analytics will significantly alter future response patterns. By understanding the nature of the emergency and integrating historical data, responders can take appropriate action. For example, dispatchers can allocate resources in alignment with an accident’s OnStar impact rating, preventing excess deployment while freeing up responders for newer or more pressing emergencies.
Given the advantages, why aren’t more agencies rushing to adopt more powerful and intelligent CAD systems? According to Lamb, it all comes down to having the right technology available to organize and process incoming data.
“The biggest hurdle right now is working on a reliable and user-friendly interface to help connect all of these various data points into one streamlined system,” explained Lamb. “The ideas are there, the collaboration is there, and the interface design and programming are on their way.”
As the future of CAD focuses on extending data integration and refining predicative analytics, agencies can improve dispatch procedural preparedness, streamline call processes and increase safety and efficiency.
With the progression of CAD technology, we will no longer have to imagine a future where officers and EMS teams are better prepared. We can live it, and benefit from it.
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 16, 2018 | Comm Center News
Maricopa County, Ariz., has already seen an increased ability to pinpoint the locations of 911 callers, especially those who are indoors, which used to be a significant challenge.
SOURCE: govtech.com
DATE: August 14, 2018
Liz Graeber, the 911 administrator for Maricopa, said the technology they’ve used since 2005 provides an X-Y coordinate at best, but at worst all dispatchers get is the cell tower and the phone number that belongs to the caller in distress. That, however, has recently changed.
Maricopa County is now one of more than 1,000 jurisdictions nationwide that has deployed RapidSOS’ NG911 Clearinghouse emergency platform, which allows emergency responders to access data from the existing software in millions of connected devices to better serve 911 callers. The company hasn’t released a full list of software partners, but would theoretically look like is something like this: You’re in a car accident and you dial 911. The platform then gives emergency responders access to location data that you’ve enabled in one of your apps, allowing a fire truck and ambulance an instant and precise idea of where help is needed.
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by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 16, 2018 | Articles, Comm Center News
The Automated Secure Alarm Protocol Goes Live at its 40th Location
Alpharetta, Ga. has become the 40th public-safety answering point (PSAP) in the United States to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) program and the first agency in the state of Georgia to use it. Georgia is the 13th state, in addition to the District of Columbia, to participate in the ASAP program.
The Alpharetta PSAP, which also dispatches for Milton, Ga., is currently operational with ADS Security in Nashville, Tyco, Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Protection One, Central Security, Guardian Protection Services, Affiliated Monitoring, Brinks, ESC Central and Vivint.
Security Central and ADT will be live with Alpharetta within the next few weeks.
“The City of Alpharetta is excited and honored to be the first agency in the state of Georgia to implement the ASAP program,” said Ben Bolin, Alpharetta Police Department’s 9-1-1 operations manager.
“In addition to the alarm companies currently participating with Alpharetta, ASAP is expected to be the catalyst to encourage participation by local alarm companies in the ASAP program. The ASAP program is state-of-the art technology by fully automating the delivery of alarm notifications to Alpharetta’s emergency communications center within seconds from alarm monitoring companies without having to make a telephone call.”
by AllThingsECC.com | Aug 6, 2018 | Articles, Comm Center News
NICE announces the recipients of its 2018 PSAPs’ Finest Awards, a recognition program for emergency communications professionals, now in its 13th year
HOBOKEN, N.J., August 6, 2018 — (BUSINESS WIRE)–NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) will recognize the recipients of its 2018 PSAPs’ Finest Awards today in a special ceremony in Booth #529 at the APCO 2018 Annual Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. The PSAPs’ Finest awards is a long-standing Public Safety recognition program sponsored by NICE. Awards are presented annually to winners in seven categories: Director, Line Supervisor, Technician, Trainer, Telecommunicator, Innovator and PSAP of the Year.
Over the last thirteen years that the program has been in existence, it has continued to expand and grow, with dozens of individuals receiving awards. Winners are selected by an independent panel of volunteer judges from the 9-1-1 community, who evaluate nominees based on their accomplishments, skills and service to community.
“With this year being the 50th anniversary of 9-1-1, I’m especially honored and humbled to recognize eight outstanding individuals and PSAPs who model the mission of 9-1-1 every day,” said John Rennie, General Manager of the NICE Public Safety group. “Much has changed in emergency communications over the last five decades, but it’s abundantly clear from this group that the commitment and dedication of those who work in 9-1-1 is as steadfast as ever.”
This year’s PSAPs’ Finest award recipients are:
* PSAP of the Year – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Communication Bureau;
* Director of the Year – Liane Scharnott, Communications Center Director, Bayside Communications Center, Bayside, Wisconsin;
* Line Supervisor of the Year – Elli D. Childs, 911 Public Safety Supervisor 2, Pinellas County Regional 911, Largo, Florida;
* Technician of the Year – Brad Coffey. Section Chief – Infrastructure Support. Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jefferson City, Missouri;
* Telecommunicator of the Year – Ryan Culver, Telecommunicator, Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority, West Olive, MI;
* Innovator of the Year – Shawn Shear, ENP, Communications Center Manager, Thornton 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, Thornton, Colorado;
* Trainer of the Year (two-way tie) – John Halaychik III, Professional Development Coordinator, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, Ithaca, NY (and) Sandy Swartz, Emergency Complaint Writer, St. Petersburg Police Department, St. Petersburg, Florida.
The PSAPs’ Finest Awards Program is made possible by 9-1-1 professionals who volunteer their time to serve as judges.
Anthony Castillo, ENP, Manager, Emergency Communications, Norfolk, Virginia, said the selections were not easy.
“It has truly been my honor sitting on the panel for NICE’s 2018 PSAP’s Finest Awards. The ‘hero’s work’ these dedicated men and women do every day is nothing short of outstanding,” Castillo said. “The award submissions we review make it difficult to select only one person or agency. Congratulation to those selected and nominated! Truly hero’s all!”
Panel member Shinar Haynes, Executive Director, Tarrant County 9-1-1 District (Fort Worth, Texas), said the 9-1-1 professionals are often overlooked.
“Although they’re a vital link in the public safety cycle, 9-1-1 professionals are not often recognized for their hard work, dedication, and selflessness. Still, these ‘heroes under the headset’ deal with everyone’s worst day, hour, or moment, while helping keep first responders safe,” Haynes said. “The PSAPs’ Finest nominations reflected this self-sacrificing spirit while also highlighting the importance of leadership, technology and training.”
Alphonso Dale, IT Project Manager, Information Technology Division, of Newport News, Virginia, said he was honored to be part of the selection panel. He noted that the awards honor behind-the-scenes work in public safety.
“This year’s selection process was very difficult as each nominee brought unique qualities to the profession,” Dale said.
Daniel R. Koenig, ENP, 9-1-1 Planning Coordinator, Palm Beach County (Florida) Public Safety Department 9-1-1 Technical Services, was also a member of the selection committee.
“9-1-1 professionals are the first access point for the public into the emergency services system. The initial contact often sets the tone for incidents and communications personnel often go unnoticed for the vital role they play,” Koenig said.
Nominations for the 2019 PSAPs’ Finest Awards will open in January 2019. More information can be obtained on the PSAPs’ Finest website or by emailing [email protected].
About NICE
NICE (Nasdaq:NICE) is the worldwide leading provider of both cloud and on-premises enterprise software solutions that empower organizations to make smarter decisions based on advanced analytics of structured and unstructured data. NICE helps organizations of all sizes deliver better customer service, ensure compliance, combat fraud and safeguard citizens. Over 25,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including over 85 of the Fortune 100 companies, are using NICE solutions. www.nice.com.
