NCJ Number
214541
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 72,74,77
Date Published
April 2006
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes FoxComm, a centralized dispatch system used by four neighboring counties in Wisconsin.
Abstract
U.S. Highway 41 runs through three of four neighboring counties in Wisconsin and is a major artery for residents, visitors, and perpetrators. Geographically and economically, the four counties operate as one region, especially with many towns and cities straddling county boundaries. It made sense, then, for the region’s law enforcement agencies to cooperate in dealing with common problems. Three of the four counties --Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago--came together when it was time to upgrade the counties’ dispatch and records systems, the fourth county, Brown, came to the table when they needed to replace their old computer aiding dispatch (CAD) system. Together the four counties selected a Motorola CAD system that allowed all four counties to share hardware and software. Brown County used a grant for the initial purchase and all four counties shared in the cost of upgrades. Training is described as the key to successful implementation and use of the centralized system. The benefits of the partnership have been overwhelming and include taxpayer savings and better service to citizens. Due to the success of the partnership, other joint projects are being planned such as an agreement regarding the shared use of landfills and snowplows. The State of Wisconsin is also launching a Justice Gateway pilot program that will allow participating public safety agencies to access one another’s records on a regional basis. A textbox within the article describes Motorola’s Premier CAD system. Exhibits