Town of New Hartford NEW YORK

Central Dispatch Center Technology

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

We utilize the latest technology to give the public the best service possible.  Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) gives the dispatcher the ability to locate an address to the closest intersections. CAD also keeps records of all Hazardous Materials located within the town.  In addition, listings are kept of all residents with health concerns or disabilities that may be important to know in an emergency.

Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs)

The Dispatch Center in conjunction with the New Hartford Police Department brought the first Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) network to Central New York. MDT's are the use of laptop computers in the patrol cars that give the officers direct access to the State & National databases via radio links. The laptops also give officers the ability to communicate with each other and with the dispatch center in a secure manner to safeguard confidential matters. To date, this network has been expanded to include the New York Mills Police, Kirkland Police, Sherrill Police, the Oneida County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police (Marcy Barracks). Since it's introduction in New Hartford, the Utica and Rome Police Departments have installed similar systems.

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Modern technology has not been forgotten when it comes to you cellular phone. Today's cellular phone is not only smaller and more versatile than it's predecessors, it is equipped with technology to provide its location to emergency services by the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). The 911 equipment can pinpoint the location of a cellular caller withing less than a few hundred feet. This technology proved vital in it's first month of installation at Central Dispatch.

On November 11, 2005, a cellular 911 call was received shortly after 2 p.m. from a couple lost in Sherrillbrook Park on Route 12 in the Town of New Hartford. The hikers had started out earlier that day for a leisurely hike through the parks extensive trail system. Sherrillbrook is over 201 acres in size, and with only 87 of them developed, that leaves 114 acres of rugged wilderness. Utilizing the GPS technology, New Hartford Police responded and located the missing hikers in under 10 minutes.