 The system features all new hardware and software and even has a new
location. The dispatch communications room has moved from the
upstairs of the Logan County Safety Complex to the downstairs of the
same building, which is located at 911 Pekin St.
The changes in the communications room began with a referendum
that brought together the Lincoln Police Department, the Logan
County Sheriff's Department and the Emergency Management Agency. The
dispatchers are all now employees of the Emergency
Telecommunications System Board.
However, the ETSB director maintains communication with all the
agencies that are served. Fulscher particularly solicited input from
each entity, often on a day-to-day basis, during the development
process of the new communications system.
The dispatchers use a number of agency-specific information
systems. In the old system, each database had its own software and
setup. Each dispatcher had multiple monitors, keyboards and mice and
retyped names and information into each database. The number of
systems checked was dependent on the type of call.
The new system integrates the
following law enforcement and emergency response communication
resources:
-
ILEAS: Illinois Law
Enforcement Alarm System
-
LEADS: Law
Enforcement Agencies Data System
-
IWIN: Illinois
Wireless Information Network
-
PIPS: Police
Information and Planning System
-
OIS: Officer
Information System
Inmate and other information from the Logan County Jail, the
Lincoln Police Department and the Logan County Sheriff's Department
is also connected in the system.
Those systems are now all integrated into one, with a single
keyboard, monitor and mouse for each dispatcher.
When a call comes in, most of the information is now filled in
for the dispatcher. He or she adds names and some incident
information -- one time. The system automatically checks all the
databases for information and provides the dispatcher with the
information on what assistance needs to be sent out.
Not only is the workload reduced for the dispatchers, but help
can be sent out faster.
The law enforcement agencies will also see numerous benefits from
the integrated communications. More and faster information can be
relayed to officers in the field, such as warrants, pictures of
suspected criminals and criminal histories.
And at the end of the day, a comprehensive report is generated
that is usable by all agencies.
The room continues to have two dispatchers on duty at all times.
A third station is also set up for times when there might be a
heavier call volume. Surprisingly, that third chair has already been
needed, and it was on just the third day that the new system was up.
Dispatch supervisor Mark Mann filled the position during the Dec. 1
ice storm, and 911 received a record number of calls on that day.
The following are the current
professional emergency communicators for Lincoln and Logan County:
-
Justin Brown
-
Mike Bruce
-
John DeWilde
-
Debbie Kimberlin
-
Mark Mann
-
Larry Otte
-
Tomika Rehmann
-
Kevin Sampson
-
Jodi Washam
-
Mike Webb
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The new technology offers many future developments that will
continue to improve response capabilities. In the future, the system
will allow dispatchers to locate a cell phone caller, and later it
will even narrow the location of the caller to within six feet.
Mapping will allow dispatchers to see the location of disabled
people. This feature will have many benefits. In the event of a
chemical hazard or a natural disaster, responders would know where
special assistance might be needed within a given area.
Timeline:
-
6-10 months: Page 1
wireless computer-aided dispatch
-
12-14 months:
Location of caller within six feet
Phase two is dependent on future grant funds, some of which have
been tagged for Logan County but not released yet.
-
24 months:
Advancement of communications system
Additional system upgrades will integrate hand-held radio
communications between law enforcement agencies, fire departments,
emergency medical services and the emergency management agency.
The new system involved a number of consultants, suppliers and
contractors working together.
Providing product, consultation or
services:
-
Computer-aided
dispatch and records: New World Systems, Troy, Mich.
-
Computers: CCA
Lincoln
-
Communications
consultant: Comerford Communications, Forsyth
-
Radio systems:
Barbeck Communications, Decatur
-
911 system
integration and mapping: GeoCom (Glenna Johnson), St. Cloud,
Minn.
-
911 phones: Global
Technology System Inc., Jacksonville
-
Dispatch consoles:
Wright Line, Worcester, Mass
-
Architect: BLDD
Architects (John Drayton, principal), Decatur
-
Contractor: Otto
Baum Company, Decatur
-
Electrical:
Anderson Electric, Springfield
-
Plumbing: Burdick
Plumbing, Springfield
-
Contractor
supervision, painting: Dale Voyles
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
Past related
articles:
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