Dispatch Here, Dispatch There, What Is The Best and Most Economical Solution?

DISPATCH SERVICES

Throughout the nation, there is a common problem and that is how to provide the same quality of dispatch services with less funds.  This is becoming more and more difficult in these trying economic times.  As funds and government assistance are dwindling, it is harder and harder to provide the same quality of dispatch services.    The state of Maine currently has twenty-six (26) Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) and wants to reduce this number to either fourteen (14) or seventeen (17).   The major question is how does the state reduce the number of PSAP’s and still provide citizens the same quality of life?

In Venice, Florida the solution is to consolidate dispatch services at the County level.  New Hampshire has reduced the number of PSAPs to two (2). In Androscoggin County, there is one PSAP but three dispatch points.  The dispatch points are Lewiston-Auburn 911; Lisbon Communication Center and finally Androscoggin County Dispatch Center.  All 911 calls are received by the Androscoggin County Dispatch Center who in turn either dispatches police, fire and Medical services or relays the information on to the Lewiston-Auburn 911 or Lisbon Communication Center to dispatch police, fire and medical.

The idea of two (2) PSAPs in Maine is not practical but the consolidation of dispatch services at the County level is the right solution.  Androscoggin County has been wrestling with this problem for years.  So let’s look at the pros and cons of consolidation at County level:

PROs

1.       First Responders arrive on site quicker

2.       Eliminates the need to relay 911 information

3.       Eliminates the need to finance three separate dispatch centers

4.       Eliminates the possibility of false information being relayed

CONs

1.       Initial cost of consolidation will be large

2.       First Responders have to wait for the 911 call to be relayed putting lives at risk

3.       911 calls have to be relayed wasting time 

4.       Each dispatch center cost taxpayer approximately $500,000

5.       Any time information is passed along there is room for misunderstanding 

6.       Additional personnel required

7.       Additional equipment required and must be maintained

It would appear that the right solution for Androscoggin County is to consolidate the three dispatch centers into the Androscoggin County Dispatch Center.  To start this consolidation, the County Commissioners should consolidate Androscoggin County Dispatch Center and the Lisbon Communication Center at the Lisbon Facility but stay under the control of the County.  This is a cost effective first step and can be accomplished with little to no effort.  This will make it easier to consolidate with Lewiston-Auburn 911 at a later date.  Trying to consolidate three dispatch centers at one time would prove disastrous.

County Commissioners need to seriously consider this option in order to move forward and provide citizens of Androscoggin County with the best possible quality of life.

Larry Fillmore