NCJ Number
87021
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This technical assistance report on the police communications system of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., includes recommendations for staffing, equipment, and procedures.
Abstract
The workload of the Saratoga Springs Police Department has increased to such an extent that old methods and procedures for processing calls are no longer efficient or cost-effective. Currently, communications are viewed as a function of the uniform patrol division and an extension of the duty officer's command, but communications is actually a service function to aid the department, along with other service functions such as recordkeeping, training, etc. The communications function presently has no particular supervisor to ensure that a single set of procedures and policies are used. The civilian dispatch personnel have been trained mostly by shift lieutenants, sergeants, and officers, such that dispatchers have not become professional telecommunicators trained to service the entire department equally. Further, the dispatch center is located in the hub of the department's activities, thus creating continuous distractions for the dispatchers. Also, the lack of efficient message processing procedure makes it virtually impossible to determine workloads for the dispatchers. The communications function should be properly staffed with permanent, well-trained personnel, and these personnel should be properly supervised and have standard operating procedures to follow. The procedures should be well documented and followed by all department personnel. Efficient and modern equipment should be provided to aid the communications staff in performing their functions, and proper recordkeeping formats should be established to aid the administrator in activities analysis.