News
911 more precise in Tuscola County, MI through system implemented by Logistics Systems Inc. of Missoula, Mont.
Tuscola County, Michigan residents are a little safer these days now that the county’s dispatch center has launched a new computerized system.
THE SAGINAW NEWS
Developed by Logistics Systems Inc. http://www.logistic-systems.com/ of Missoula, Mont., the computers went online this month.
"So far, it’s going quite well," said Tuscola County Central Dispatch Director Robert J. Klenk. "We’ve had a smooth transition."
The system cost $180,000, including equipment and training for one part-time, one on-call and eight full-time dispatchers, plus Klenk and two supervisors. Wiring and other accessories cost an additional $20,000.
The center has at least two dispatchers on duty at all times. A third dispatcher works during high-volume times, such as Friday and Saturday nights.
Among the functions the system performs are:
# Data collection.
State, county and local police can determine which crimes are on the increase and where they are occurring, where the greatest number of traffic crashes occur and what factors contribute to wrecks, and similar information.
"Whatever data goes in, we can extract it," Klenk said. Documenting those numbers allows police to tailor their services to the needs of various communities, he said.
# Automatic paging that will send a text message advising firefighters and ambulance crews of the location, cross street and additional details of crashes and fires.
"Before when we took a call, we had to input the information into the computer, then type a lot of the data over again for the paging system," Klenk said.
"It saves a lot of time. A fire doubles its size every 60 seconds. If we can get the firefighters there one minute earlier, that fire is half the size it would have been."
Automatic paging also reduces the number of seconds it takes to get a portable defibrillator to a heart attack victim.
# Mapping.
"When a call comes in, the computer gives us the address and telephone number, plus it pinpoints on a map where the call is coming from," Klenk said. "The map automatically comes up for the dispatcher to see. The computer also recommends which (police) agency to send, depending on who is on duty."
Mapping helps eliminate confusion about streets with similar or identical names in different parts of the county.
"We have a few Main Streets," Klenk said.
The system will allow for future upgrades to accommodate global positioning, which will pinpoint within a few yards the location of a cellular telephone call.
# Imaging.
"We have floor plans for various buildings throughout the county," Klenk said. "If we get a call for a fire in the chemistry lab at a high school, we can direct the fire department to the exact location of the room."
Authorities can add more features later. One function Klenk could consider is information on the types and locations of hazardous materials at sites throughout the county.
"This is a dynamic system," he said. "As the community changes, we will be able to change the data in our dispatch system." t
LaNia Coleman covers law enforcement for The Saginaw News. You may reach her at 776-9690.
******************
For more information contact:
Steven E. Hoover
Vice-President of Technical Services
Logistic Systems, Inc
(406) 728-0921 Ext. 2119
MATR Supporters (view all)
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.