Baker Integrated Technologies
makes communicating easy.
As part of the booming metro Atlanta area, Barrow County experienced an explosive 28 percent growth rate from 1980 to 1990, and 34 percent growth rate from 1990 to 1998. Once considered to be way out in the country, Barrow County has become a very desirable location in which to live; near Atlanta, but still far enough away to maintain a rural feel. But with growth comes growing pains, and one major area of concern was the 9-1-1 system. Before 1991, residents had to dial a seven-digit number to obtain emergency help. In 1991, Barrow County implemented 9-1-1. In 1994, the center became "enhanced," which enabled dispatchers to receive ANI/ALI information over a computer screen. However, since the original implementation in 1991, no renovations were made to the original equipment, which had become outdated and was rapidly becoming unable to meet the county’s growing needs. With only one call-taker position and two dispatch positions, dispatchers were not able to effectively and efficiently do their job.
"You name it, and the center needed it", says Greg Allbritten, Director of the Barrow County Public Safety Department. "We were unable to utilize our dispatchers to their full potential. Radio traffic was being missed because our dispatchers were having to answer phones and give emergency care via phone. We needed another console and a system that would allow for usage of the phone and radio dispatch system at the same time. We needed to implement a system that would allow for the maximum number of tasks to be handled with less stress to the dispatchers. The ANI/ALI feeds were coming in off old screens, we were answering 9-1-1 calls from only three phones, and we were using standard ‘black’ phones to answer all other calls. Inefficiency was prevalent throughout the system."
Barrow County dispatches for several agencies, including Animal Control, the Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department, the Marshal’s Office, the Sheriff’s Department, the Department of Transportation, and several cities within the county. On average, Barrow County 9-1-1 handles 600-750 calls a week." As goes the growth of the county, so goes the growth of the government within that county," states Allbritten. "I was able to win the ears of the commissioners for our county and prompt them to seek a new, more complete 9-1-1 system that would allow for the 9-1-1 center to handle the growth of the county. It was not difficult; the need was becoming more obvious by the day". That's where DISPATCHWorks and Baker Integrated Technologies entered.
"We were extremely impressed with Baker’s reputation, product, and technical support team. Recommendations from other agencies currently using Baker were also impressive. Throughout the installation procedure, we found there were things needed we had not planned for, and with Baker’s help, we came through like pros," states Allbritten. Since implementation, "DISPATCHWorks has solved our efficiency problems. With this system, our dispatchers have all pertinent information at the touch of a mouse or key. We have been able to combine our radio and dispatch system into one console and monitor. Dispatchers are able to monitor radio traffic, answer phones, monitor units and improve their own performance due to a more complete and efficient system." Another perk that came along with the DISPATCHWorks system was the ability for instant recording recall. "We can immediately play back radio or phone traffic without having to pull tapes for perusal. I am extremely pleased with our Baker system, and with the response and technical support we have received since implementing Baker’s product." Simply put, "Advances in technology bring advances in performance. We have been able to experience both with the implementation of Baker’s system." And so as Atlanta continues to spread its growth to outlying counties, Barrow County Public Safety is equipped and ready to efficiently respond to the needs of its residents, thanks in part to DISPATCHWorks and Baker Integrated Technologies.
Copyright 2001 Baker Integrated Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. Site updated 2/19/01.
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