17 state of the art computer aided dispatch system with mobile data infrastructure

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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING SHEET Submittal Date: Originating Departrnent: Presented By: Agenda Item No.: 12/02/08 Council Date: MIS Russell Thrasher 17. 12/08/08 RECOMMENDED MOTION: Not an action item PoLicY IssuE(s): Pmject Update BACKGROUND: The City of Paris Police, Fire and EMS Departments, want to design, install and implement a state of the art computer aided dispatch system with mobile data infrastructure, including field based laptops, police and fire records management, and automated vehicle locators (GPS) to efficiently support the Police, EMS and Fire Emergency Services. It has become evident in the years since 9/11 that communication is everything when it comes to an emergency - both voice communication and data sharing. While large amounts of data are available in print and various other incompatible data sources throughout the city, there is no single seamless way to get that data to the person that needs it in a reasonable and reliable time frame. The current computer dispatch system we are using now was purchased in 1997 and went on line in 1999, and runs on a mainframe server. That company went bankrupt and the founder soon thereafter passed away. The City of Paris has been self-supported in this area, thanks in no small part to Asst. Chief Bob Hundley, who has kept the Unix based system operational during this time. However, this system is not user friendly and is no longer supported by anyone but expensive programming sub-contractors. Along with the growing number of emergency 911 calls, this system is now stretched more than it was ever designed to do and a major software and/or hardware failure may not be recoverable - putting the City of Paris dispatchers back to pencil and paper. Time and need have eclipsed the present software. The new system keeps officers in the field longer, reduces radio traffic for dispatchers, and improves reporting and safety. Funds were approved by the Paris City Council in May 2007 for this project. This project is on budget. This is a presentation of the status of this project as it enters the maintenance and upgrades phase. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: E JGiiIBITS: PowerPoint Presentation ACTION: BUDGET INFO: ❑ Financial Report ❑ Minute Onder Expense $ ❑ Department Report ❑ Resolution Budgeted Amt $ [Z Presentation l ❑ Ondinance yTD Actual $ ❑ Pub ic Hearing ❑ Other Acct Name Acct Number FtsC,AL NoTES: Within budget City of Paris Revised 2/04/08