NCJ Number
63030
Journal
APCO (ASSOCIATED PUBLIC-SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS INC.) BULLETIN Dated: (NOVEMBER 1970) Pages: 16-17,24-25
Date Published
1970
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE REAL UTILITY OF THE EMERGENCY DIALING CONCEPT WILL DEPEND ON EXTREMELY CAREFUL INTEGRATION OF ALL THE TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED FOR EFFICIENT TACTICAL MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC SAFETY FORCES.
Abstract
THIS 1970 ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE TECHNICAL, LEGAL, POLITICAL, AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE 911 UNIVERSAL NUMBER EMERGENCY SYSTEM. CLOSE COOPERATION BETWEEN SAFETY AGENCIES AND TELEPHONE COMPANIES IS REQUIRED, AS WELL AS MODIFICATION OF PRESENT FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND PRACTICES BY BOTH TELEPHONE COMPANIES AND MUNICIPAL AGENCIES. THESE MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS LINKS FOR RECEIVING AND DISTRIBUTING REQUESTS FOR SERVICE; SPECIALIZED PERSONNEL WHO CAN MAN A 911 EMERGENCY-CENTRAL WITH PROFESSIONAL CALM AND SKILL; AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A 'SYSTEM CONFIGURATION,' A PATTERN OF CENTRALIZED AND DECENTRALIZED CAPABILITY, FOR RECEIPT OF CALLS FOR HELP AND DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLIES. POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS INCLUDE CENTRAL ALL-AGENCY DISPATCH; CENTRAL RECEIPT, DECENTRALIZED DISPATCH; OR DECENTRALIZED OPERATIONS. OTHER MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS TO BE REVIEWED IN SETTING UP AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. (PRG)