Technical Aspects
Combining quality people with modern technology has helped the Mesa
Public Safety Communications Division maintain consistently high levels of
service. Although Communications handles almost 1.4 million phone calls and
dispatches over 400,000 calls for service a year, through technology, our
members have been able to provide quality service.
CAD - Computer Aided Dispatch
Mesa
Public Safety Communications utilizes a sophisticated Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD) system. The CAD system combines mobile computing, mapping
and dispatching in a format that enhances the ability of emergency
responders to arrive quickly on scene. This new generation of CAD also
allows dispatchers to "see" police and fire units in the field. The field
units are plotted on a detailed map and move as their locations are updated
through global positioning technology. On an emergency call the dispatcher
may ask the computer to recommend a unit for the call. The computer
generates the likely candidates, based on their ability to navigate faster
than other units to be dispatched. Another benefit on this CAD system
allows dispatchers to quickly identify the real location of a field unit
that is in trouble. Field units are equipped with the same map and ability
to "see" other units.
Automated Call Distribution System
This
computer based system distributes incoming emergency and non-emergency phone
calls by priority and availability of operators. Emergency calls through
9-1-1 have the highest priority, followed by calls received on the
non-emergency lines. When an operator becomes available, the longest
waiting call is presented to them first. All 9-1-1 calls are distributed
first, followed by non-emergency calls (480-644-2211). When volume
increases, operators are able to place citizens in a hold queue, where they
resurface after incoming emergency calls are managed. (The photo to the
right shows a 9-1-1 Operator's computing environment. On the left is the CAD
call entry computer. On the right is the Vesta computer-telephony system.
800 mHz Radio System
The City of Mesa has transitioned to an 800 MHz digital trunking radio
system. The Project 25 radio system is utilized by dispatchers to send the
appropriate police and fire units to citizens in need.
Mesa Police Department
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
480-644-4001
Emergency
9-1-1
Non-Emergency
480-644-2211