HomeMy WebLinkAbout2B, Ramsey Cty Consolidated Dispatch Center Update
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Request for Council Action
Prepared By: Ron Moorse
Council Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
Ramsey County Consolidated Dispatch Center Update
Budgeted Amount:
N/A
Actual Amount:
N/A
Recommendation:
NA
Supporting Documents:
1. Memo from Ron Moorse dated August 8, 2008
Funding Source:
N/A
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
August 8, 2008
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Ron Moorse, City Administrator r ~
Ramsey County Consolidated Dispatch Center Update
TO:
FROM:
On Monday, August 4, at the meeting of Ramsey County City Administrators, David Twa,
Ramsey County Administrator, and Scott WilIams, Director of the consolidated dispatch center,
provided an update regarding the dispatch center. They indicated that, although the dispatch
center is experiencing growing pains, the center is operating well. The center is not yet fully
staffed. Full staffing is a total of 114. The current staffing is 104. Eight additional call takers
recently completed training.
David Twa indicated an agreement has been reached with the Sheriff under which the Sheriff
will not move forward with an effort to take over the center, and the County will add five
additional call takers, beyond the 114, in 2009, and will hire a national expert to review the
operation of the center.
The dispatch center handles calls through call-takers, who answer all calls, input the call
information into the computerized dispatch system, and forward the information electronically to
the dispatchers. The dispatchers then communicate directly to the public safety staff. The call-
takers are separated from the dispatchers, so that they communicate through the computer, rather
than verbally.
The Sheriff believes the call-takers should be located closer to the dispatchers. David Twa
indicated it is premature to make substantial changes to the operation while they are still staffing
up, and all staff are still getting used to the operation. He indicated that they will be open to
looking at changes once they have some experience with the center at full staffing.
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