Today very little, if anything, takes place that does not involve computers.  The cover of this year's report illustrates a cross-section of the various systems Central's dispatchers and PD officers utilize in their day-to-day functions.  Dispatchers maintain several databases located at each workstation.  Furthermore, the station is linked electronically with numerous other networks that range from a fingerprint scanner and digital mug shot database to the new Homeland Security network.

Dispatchers, like the officers in the police department, often work through mealtime.  There are many occasions when dispatchers may not even get to eat at all.  Anyone who knows anything about emergency services can tell you that there is no way to predict or foresee when an incident will take place.  At any given moment, the calm serenity of a peaceful shift can be shattered in an instant and the minutes or even hours that follow can be filled with stress, anxiety and incredible challenges.

One particular event that stretched our resources was a catastrophic lighting strike on the night of July 2nd.  Much of our electronics and radio infrastructure was damaged when a severe thunderstorm swept through the region.  Central was literally knocked "off the air" when at least two direct lighting strikes came in through the Center's ground equipment nearly simultaneously.  The Police radio frequency and a few phone lines were the only items working.  Both radio consoles were inoperative.  Within the hour, the Center's vendor JPJ Electronics was on site and constructing contingency operations.  By morning, Central was working at full capacity albeit on borrowed and patched components.  We would operate in this fashion for the next 12 to 14 days before Central was back to 100%.

The dispatchers worked above and beyond, suffering through antiquated conditions, and continued to offer the best of service to our "customers" during very difficult and trying times.  They are to be commended for their efforts, dedication and loyalty.

In late 2003 we purchased a new Records Management (RMS) and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software system.  Several different factors lead to several delays in implementation.  By mid-summer, it was clear that the obstacles were mounting and our goals began to exceed our grasp.  We took measures to reverse the slide and by fall our new system was up and the Police Department secretaries began operation October 1.  Following several training sessions, Dispatch launched CAD "live" December 1st of 2004.

In order to keep 2004 Dispatch logs intact, we ran the new CAD side by side with our old records system.  This put additional burdens on Dispatch staff but they met the challenge and 2004 closed with hardly a snag.  Again, whatever the task, Central Dispatch personnel meet the challenge and rise above.

We continue discussions with the County in regards to the way 911 services are provided.  The County recently upgraded the "voice audio recorder" that records and stores all radio and telephone sessions in Dispatch.  Replacement of our 911-phone system is also tentatively scheduled for sometime this year.

As always, I will be available to anyone, elected official or concerned citizen, to answer any questions and or concerns.

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