Dispatchers at the ASU Police Department are using a high-tech upgrade that helps them reduce confusion and speed up responses to emergencies.
Dispatchers began using the new $250,000 communication system last week when it replaced the 11-year-old previous system.
Dispatchers said they have experienced increased efficiency through use of The Positron 911 Computer Telephony Integration System.
"Because the new system is so streamlined, we don't have dispatchers at west campus worrying about getting officers to respond to a call at east campus," said Mike Priolo, ASU police assistant communications supervisor.
The new system affects all 911 calls and non-emergency calls into the police department and integrates calls from all three ASU campuses to be handled by a central dispatch on the main campus. Previously, each ASU campus had a separate dispatch center from which officers were notified if a call required a response.
Brian Tobin, ASU public safety answering point manager, said the old system had separate 911 and non-emergency call routing systems.
"Essentially, the dispatcher would have two separate phone systems at each station and would have to use both phones," Tobin said. "It took a lot of time and was relatively complicated."
The old system also lacked instant playback features and failed to integrate into the radio system. The new system enables a dispatcher to speak to a caller and dispatched officers at the same time through the use of a headset, Tobin said.
Within one year, phases one and two of a wireless 911 response system will be incorporated into the Positron, enabling dispatchers to pinpoint a wireless caller's exact location on a map.
History sophomore Kristen Lopez said she felt safer knowing that officers would be able to track her down in case of an emergency.
"Because I use my cell phone so much, I've always wondered about how police would find me if I got into a situation," she said. "If I get carjacked, I'm not going to be able to give officers my exact location."
The system was installed after public safety answering point managers from the Maricopa Association of Governments voted unanimously to approve the project in March.
The new communication system was then approved by the state 911 office at the Arizona Department of Administration and a purchase order placed at Qwest Communications.
Funds for the project came from the state 911 fund, which charges a small fee on phone bills to pay for upgrades and maintenance of emergency phone systems.
Reach the reporter at kelly.vaughn@asu.edu.
