PUBLIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS BEING IMPLEMENTED DURING 2011
During 2011,
improvements to the public safety system are being implemented in both
the Police and Fire & Rescue Departments. Computers have recently
been installed in all Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue vehicles
enabling first responders to access detailed information about the
location of a call while en route to the address. Fire & Rescue
personnel will be able to access information from their vehicles such as
hydrant locations and site plans for industrial buildings.
An
AVL (automatic vehicle location) system is also being implemented
allowing Police officers, dispatchers and other Fire & Rescue
personnel to see the location of rescue vehicles in order to determine
which personnel can respond most efficiently to an address. This type of
information will also allow emergency responders to determine more
quickly what type of equipment they may need for a particular call and
will provide for a safer and more efficient response.
Both the
Police and Fire & Rescue departments are also in the process of
implementing new public safety software systems. The systems will assist
the departments with records management, computer aided dispatch and
mobile computer functions. Once the software implementation is complete,
the improvements are expected to streamline reporting functions by
eliminating the need for redundant data entry related to a call.
Improvements are also expected to allow for improved, faster sharing of
call data between the two emergency response departments and public
safety dispatchers.
IMPLEMENTATION ONGOING
“This is a very
comprehensive and in-depth system,” explained Police Chief Brian Wagner.
“There are a significant number of new processes to put in place, but
once all of our personnel has had sufficient time to explore all of the
options, we are expecting the system to enhance our responders’
situational awareness, safety, and our administrative efficiency.”
Because of the complexity of the system, implementation is expected to
take place over a period of several weeks.