Sheriff pitches need for better 911 call system in Ravalli County- Logistic-Systems of Missoula to provide solutions

The emergency services community throughout the valley is represented by people from many walks of life, people willing to sacrifice not only their time, but their lives to ensure the safety of another.

By TIMOTHY MITCHELL Staff Reporter

A firefighter put it best. "Who else would go into a fire for you – I will," he said.

What ties the dedicated professionals together? Where does the coordination begin? Who gets called first when an emergency happens? The personnel of the 911 call center.

They are the hub of the wheel around which all the emergency services rotate. A call to 911 amasses hundreds of people at the end of those three numbers.

In a recent presentation to the Ravalli County Commissioners, Sheriff Chris Hoffman laid out a plan where the hub of the wheel would be strengthened, thereby making the entire system stronger.

Hoffman sees this happening through a revamping of the equipment and software within the 911 dispatch center. The sheriff approached the commissioners to inform them of what he wants to do and what he has been doing toward that end

What began as a needs assessment when Hoffman took office in January has turned into a plan of action.

In that needs assessment, the most glaring concern identified was the outdated equipment and software. Hoffman told the commissioners, "Right now we have to catch up. We have an opportunity to do this with what I see as a substantial savings to the taxpayer."

The first step following the needs assessment was the mapping for the enhanced 911 system. It is expected to be done by the end of July. Once the mapping for E-911 is finished, the software will be the remaining piece needed to implement the program.

Acquiring the software is the next step in the process, and Hoffman would like to see this done by January 2005.

"When I was campaigning I made the promise to find creative ways to maximize the budget we have, and I am keeping that promise. This project is geared to make this office more effective and efficient," Hoffman said.

This software is provided through various companies and vendors. After going through many searches and discussions with software providers, the Sheriff’s Office is in "final negotiations" with Logisys, http://logistic-systems.com/ a Missoula-based company.

During the presentation with the commissioners, a representative from Logisys said, "We’re basically taking what you guys have now, which is early 1980s software, and taking it into the 21st century."

The choice of a local company was based on many factors, according to Hoffman. Primary concerns were service and upgrades. Once in place, the program will only need updating occasionally. With this company close to Ravalli County, these upgrades will be completed quickly and economically.

Hoffman cited some direct benefits of moving into the future of emergency communications. "Efficient, cost-effective service provided to Ravalli County residents," he said. "(We need) software capable of expansion far beyond agency needs over the next 20 years with periodic upgrades and technical support built into the contract, improved officer safety, better data management, more efficient emergency response, complete removal of potential for records manipulation or erasure and flawless criminal justice data reporting capacity."

Hoffman said the newer technology will improve coordination with area law enforcement agencies, including the Montana Highway Patrol, the Darby Marshal’s Office, Stevensville and Hamilton police departments, Forest Service agents, Department of Criminal Investigation, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Other users who will benefit are the Department of Emergency Services, Bitterroot EMS and all the valley volunteer fire departments.

Hoffman sees a day where there will be a seamless integrated system among all of the users, ending in, according to Hoffman’s presentation, "a multiple-use communications center for emergency response, continuing education and employee training."

Since the beginning of his needs assessment, Hoffman realized the primary concerns would be money, considering the tight budget the county is forced to live with. Hoffman has been looking into "alternative funding sources." According to the sheriff, there is money available through the Homeland Security Act and other private organizations.

Total cost for the software would be in the neighborhood of $300,000 for the entire software package. However, with creative funding alternatives and an aggressive grant-writing campaign, Hoffman sees the cost to the county less than half of that estimate.

Hoffman said he knows he cannot successfully implement such an improvement alone. He sees the creation of an "all-valley board" as a means toward that end.

"We can do this through careful, coordinated planning, interoperability, project cooperation, communication, creative brainstorming and hard work to make sure all communities’ needs are met and that residents feel the program belongs to them," he said.

Hoffman would like to see the all-valley board in place by fall.

With the advent of this software and the creation of the board, Hoffman feels this will put the county in good shape for many years to come.

"We have to keep an eye on growth so we are not outdated in five years. We are preparing ourselves for the next 20 years through stable and modern equipment. The residents will get the most bang for their buck with this program," said Hoffman.

Reporter Timothy Mitchell can be reached at 363-3300 or [email protected]. Reporter Jared Miller contributed to this story.

http://www.ravallinews.com/articles/2003/07/07/news/news3.txt