Computer-aided dispatch center design for municipal police services

Technical Officer

For first responders, having an effective communications system is vital for ensuring the safety of civilians, personnel and utilizing resources efficiently. This improves everyone's ability to respond to emergency situations. While at the same time, it is ensuring that manpower and other reserves are deployed to those areas that need the most assistance. (Stroud, 2011)

One of the better tools for addressing communications needs is the computer aided dispatch service (CAD). To fully understand how this can be implemented (inside a New Jersey community) requires creating a plan that will be presented by showing the way this can address the needs of the community. This will be accomplished through focusing on the specifics and how it will tackle critical issues. (Stroud, 2011)

The CAD System

The CAD system consists of a software program that enables public communications for dispatch services and updating the locations of units in the field. What makes this protocol so unique is it has the ability to be customized to the department. This means that it will provide command and control with information about what is happening in real time. The way that this is achieved is through having the system use a platform that is flexible in coordinating communication solutions. The most notable include: two way radios, SMS text messaging, mobile pagers and cell phones. The basic objective is to provide a way of having the person in dispatch understand the situation on the ground and how different resources are utilized in the process. When this happens, first responders are able to effectively communicate and coordinate utilizing these solutions to keep them updated. (Stroud, 2011)

Constructing the CAD System inside the Department

In order for this system to be implemented inside the department a number of specific factors must be taken into consideration. This means focusing on: manpower, telephone lines, the number of dispatch consoles and other requirements. These elements will help to improve communication and coordination among first responders and dispatch. (Stroud, 2011)

The CAD system will be available to the police, fire department, ambulance and other first responders (such as volunteers). In the case of the police, this tool will ensure that there is effective communication about unfolding events in specific areas. While the fire department, will use this to determine the location of personnel. The ambulance and other volunteers will use this system to coordinate with different first responders. This ensures that personnel are located in areas where they will have the most impact. The basic idea is to improve the availability of various resources to all entities. (Stroud, 2011)

As far as manpower is concerned, this protocol will require at least eight personnel continually monitor the system. The way that this will work is a total of three responders will be on duty at all times. The other 5 will serve on standby and they will be used randomly to create a total of three eight hour shifts. At the same time, this approach ensures that everyone is entitled to at least two days off per week.