Thursday, July 15, 2010 • HERITAGE NEWSPAPERS/WESTERN REGION
Page 5-A
Washtenaw Metro Dispatch now open The Washtenaw County Central Dispatch has moved from its former location in the lower level of the sheriff ’s office to work side-by-side with Ann Arbor Police Department dispatch at its expanded facility on the second floor of the main fire station across from City Hall. The move culminates nearly a year of work by the two agencies to plan the effort, expand the facility and upgrade the equipment. July 8 marked the official opening of the Washtenaw Metro Dispatch. Sheriff and administrators, along with city and county dignitaries, gathered to tour the new facility and recognize the employees who made it possible. The Washtenaw County Sheriff ’s Office provides dispatch service for the Michigan State Police and Northfield Township. In addition, the Ypsilanti Police Department began contracting with the Washtenaw County Sheriff ’s Office for dispatch services last March. Former Ypsilanti dispatchers were hired by the sheriff as part of an effort to ensure a seamless transition. Washtenaw County has seen many efforts to create a central dispatch, but none of those efforts became a reality until now. Although a few smaller jurisdictions will continue to operate their own dispatch centers, Washtenaw Metro Dispatch will unify all major police services communications in the county. “This has been discussed many times over the years and for a variety of reasons was not implemented,” Sheriff Jerry Clayton said. “A number of factors make it clear that now is the right time to do what should have been done before. We have a responsibility to our service communities, we have leadership with vision, and, finally, we have the opportunity to improve service and efficiency in these difficult economic times.” City and county officials said the implementation of the Michigan State Police 800 MHz
digital radio system provides a common technology platform that enables agency interoperability and integration of dispatching functions. Ann Arbor Police Chief Barnett Jones said he is enthusiastic about the joint effort. “Co-locating our communications functions allows us to better coordinate resources when
Call-takers will answer all calls irrespective of the responding agency, and both agencies will operate from a common set of operating procedures. “Our approach was the result of unprecedented trust and cooperation between area law enforcement,” Clayton said. “We looked for a path with
“Co-locating our communications functions allows us to better coordinate resources when it is most needed. We are taking advantage of the new technology and cooperating to better serve our citizens.” - ANN ARBOR POLICE CHIEF BARNETT JONES it is most needed. We are taking advantage of the new technology and cooperating to better serve our citizens.” The Washtenaw Metro Dispatch represents a unique operating structure. In other jurisdictions in Michigan where countywide central dispatch has been implemented, it has been accomplished by creating a separate authority with its own administrative structure and facilities. This has proved to be highly complex, expensive and politicallycharged. At Washtenaw Metro Dispatch, Ann Arbor and sheriff ’s office employees remain with their current employers and will have a formal supervisor reporting relationship with someone from their own agency. Dispatchers will continue to be dedicated to either Ann Arbor or the sheriff ’s office. But during any given shift, operating authority may be held by a person from either agency. Employees may take work direction from someone who is not their formal supervisor. The co-located dispatch function will operate from a single telephone switch. Calls for service are prioritized on screens that are managed by dispatchers.
the fewest political and administrative hurdles. With budgets so tight, we had to find a better way.” Jones praised the work of everyone involved. “This is a huge change, and with change comes a great deal of fear and uncertainty. I am so proud of everyone involved. Everyone, from the command staff planning this effort to the communications staff making
it happen on a daily basis, has done an outstanding job.” To make room for the sheriff ’s dispatch operation, the city’s dispatch room was expanded into what had been the emergency operations center. Ann Arbor’s emergency operations administrative office is currently located at the sheriff ’s office, and they, too, take advantage of enhanced city-county cooperation. The communications equipment at the former Washtenaw County Central Dispatch facility will be upgraded to the new State of Michigan digital radio system. The former Washtenaw County Central Dispatch facility will be maintained as a backup to the Washtenaw Metro Dispatch facility. The facilities and equipment upgrades are funded through the 800 MHz Public Safety Communications millage. The co-located dispatch reduces the number of dispatch consoles required by two that would have been required if each police communications center had been upgraded separately. Each console costs approximately $135,000. Officials added that operating efficiencies are expected to yield ongoing cost savings as well.
Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center
1645 Commerce Park Drive, Chelsea MI 48118 (734) -433-8000 Comfortinnchelsea.com Book Your Rooms and Events at Our Choice Hotels Property!
• 82 rooms including suites and Jacuzzi Rooms • Deluxe Hot Buffet Breakfast • Fitness & Business Center • Indoor Pool & Whirlpool • Group Rates Available • 100 % Non Smoking Contact Conference Center Director • Call 734-433-8000 Mon-Thurs. Manager’s Reception