Here is the console I work. I was interested in showing that we have individual climate control at each position. The gray plate under the desk is a heater, and the white item next to the computer screen is a air conditioning outlet.
Overall view of the console area. The window in the background gives officers access to the dispatchers. Officers can pick up paperwork and get messages.
One of the features of the console is to let the telecommunicator stand
and dispatch. This allows the telecommunicator to stretch their legs
and have some mobility. We have multiple ways to transmit on the
radio, with foot pedal, crash bar on the radio, push button on our
headsets, and a roller ball.
The consoles can be adjusted for just about any height at the touch of a
button.
A closer look at the monitors and immediate work space. The CAD is
on the left. It shows unit status and will load all 9-1-1 information automatically.
The computer monitor on the right has the mapping with actual pictures of
the houses on the street that makes it easier to see what people are
trying to explain. The next photo show actual map.
This is the intersection of Sam Furr Road and I-77. The shopping center is shown as well as other businesses in the area. When the address is typed into the system, it shows a small badge at the point of the address that was entered. Some features are zoom, pan, street information by clicking on a point. The best example of it's use is when someone calls in a wreck where it happened behind their residence on a curvy road, you can see where they live, see which road they are speaking of, and then dispatch units to the right area. This has been a great addition to our resources.
(L-R) Radio, digital playback recorder, climate control console, air
conditioning outlet, and roller ball/transmit button. We also use a
Nextel for communication to supervisors. The radio has our 4 main
channels for operations, 3 that are for mutual aid, and 8 that are
operator selected for monitoring.
This is the actual dispatch area. At the current time, we are set up with 4 consoles that can be moved to add additional consoles. All wiring is under the floor and identical in layout. The monitor on the wall is closed circuit TV of different areas of the building and exterior. The photographer didn't get out of the refection in the window.
800 mhz Smart radio system monitoring is set up temporarily in one of the console position. It records the radio number of each radio each time a radio is keyed up and logs the time. We also have a color fax machine and pager system keyboard at this position. Each console has the capability to fax straight from the computer.
An building emergency system is monitored in dispatch. If a problem develops in the prisoner processing area or in other parts of the building, the lights flash notifying dispatch of a problem. Other officers can be notified by either intercom or by radio of a problem.
A reception area off the front lobby allows contact with the public after
business hours. The window also lets in light to help illuminate dispatch and keep
the telecommunicators abreast of current weather outside. Back up
radios are also kept charged and ready.
This is the kitchen we are so proud to have. It has a very efficient layout and is easy to maintain. We love the the black fixtures as well.
The outside windows are also great. It lets you see what is happening outside. Each employee has their own locker.
The rack of radios are in a room behind the kitchen in a climate controlled area. All the electrical components are put in this room. The equipment was brand new when we moved into the new building, giving us the latest and best equipment. All wiring is run under the floor with lift off panels for access.