Botetourt County dispatchers begin using new software to improve their answers to calls (VA)

Botetourt County dispatchers begin using new software to improve their answers to calls (VA)

by | May 8, 2021 | Comm Center News

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Botetourt County Fire-EMS is now using a new and improved Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) software.

Dispatchers at the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) are using this software because it helps them ask the right questions and send the appropriate resources.

Nicole Manspile is the Communications Supervisor for the Botetourt County 911 Center. She just began using the center’s new technology…

North Perth launches public alert notification service (Australia)

by | May 8, 2021 | Comm Center News

NORTH PERTH – Voyent Alert, a public alert notification service, has been launched in North Perth.

It is a multi-purpose notification service that will be used to communicate important information to residents. During local emergencies, it will provide trusted, timely and accurate information.

Notifications will be sent for critical events like floods, boil water advisories, and public safety notices, as well as day-to-day communications such as road closures and garbage and recycling updates…

City evaluating 9-1-1 call center partnership with Chandler

City evaluating 9-1-1 call center partnership with Chandler

by | May 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

Maricopa Police HeadquartersThe

The Maricopa Police Department’s current headquarters in the city center complex opened in 2013.
The City of Maricopa may close its in-town Emergency Communication Center and contract with the City of Chandler to handle 9-1-1 calls and police and fire dispatch.

City Manager Rick Horst is evaluating the potential cost-saving move.
But the president of the Maricopa Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #78 is objecting to an outside agency possibly replacing the city communication center.

“Simply put, the members of Lodge 78 stand absolutely opposed to this closure,” Curry wrote in an April 23 letter to Mayor Christian Price and the city. “We believe closing the ECC would be short-sighted ‘pennywise and pound foolish’ and – most importantly – that it will absolutely reduce public safety effectiveness in the City of Maricopa…

Safety chiefs mixed on 911 plan (OH)

Safety chiefs mixed on 911 plan (OH)

by | May 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

LISBON — Mixed reactions from fire and police chiefs have yet again halted a decision on a consolidated 911 dispatching center for the county.

County commissioner Tim Weigle brought the issue before the 911 emergency services committee during its Thursday meeting, although the idea of consolidating the five 911 dispatch centers has been in discussion since 2013. Weigle brought the issue back up after Sheriff Brian McLaughlin organized a meeting for public-safety answering point chiefs to discuss their thoughts about the potential consolidation. Despite the meeting, Weigle, who serves as committee chairman, said the issue is still being discussed outside of the committee and he wants everyone involved to weigh in on the decision…

Union County Expanding Regional Dispatch Center in Westfield (NJ)

Union County Expanding Regional Dispatch Center in Westfield (NJ)

by | May 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The county will expand its Emergency Services Regional Dispatch Center in Westfield, allowing more towns the option to use its services for fire, EMS, mutual aid and first responders.

At Thursday’s virtual Board of County Commissioners meeting, commissioners awarded a $3.28 million contract to H&S Construction and Mechanical Inc., of Elizabeth, for construction at the dispatch center.

A portion of the costs will be offset by a $150,000 in Local Efficiency Achievement Program Challenge Grant from the state Department of Community Affairs…

Baltimore pilot program aims to divert some 911 calls for behavioral health from police (MD)

Baltimore pilot program aims to divert some 911 calls for behavioral health from police (MD)

by | May 7, 2021 | Comm Center News

With goals of providing better help for people experiencing mental health crises in Baltimore and freeing up more time for police officers to tackle crime and build connections in the community, the city and a nonprofit organization will soon send some 911 calls to social workers and clinicians.

The citywide 911 Diversion Pilot, set to start in June, aims to connect callers with the most appropriate resources and responses for their needs. It will start small — focusing specifically on people with suicidal ideation and without weapons or plans to act on those thoughts — before scaling up…