NCJ Number
145676
Date Published
1993
Length
138 pages
Annotation
This booklet presents guidelines for the establishment and initial operation of a 911-dispatch program and for the dispatch facility design.
Abstract
During the 1980's, local governments developed new consolidated public safety 911 call taking and dispatching centers that are separate from police and fire facilities. The centers are called agencies, districts, or authorities. They are separate public entities that have their own governing body and a manager or director who administers the new entity and its dispatching center. The primary purpose of the center is to provide 911 call taking and public safety dispatching. Governments may add other responsibilities, such as the maintenance of public safety radios for the participating entities, radio system design, emergency medical services, and emergency preparedness. This manual provides guidelines for managing the agency, organizing the agency, composing agency policy manuals, and managing agency personnel. Other chapters discuss initial training of agency personnel, planning for the design of a new dispatch center facility, and dispatch center systems and equipment. Remaining chapters suggest procedures for maintenance and public safety radio systems. Appended personnel job descriptions, sample personnel policies, a purchasing policy example, a glossary of terms, and a management performance evaluation form.