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759 COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH The Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) developed by A. L. Roark and Associates, Inc. is designed to provide a tool for communications personnel in the performance of the dispatching function. The computer is utilized to aide the dispatcher in providing the most rapid and appropriate response to calls for police, fire, and/or emergency medical service. The CAD system is a process control system, which assists the call taker /dispatcher in the initial receipt of information, the assigning of appropriate resources to respond, and the tracking of desired response information such as times, locations, call nature, and units responding. It automatically retrieves information from the CMS Records Management Systems and resource files to alert dispatchers and responding units to hazards at a location, previous events at a location, pre - planned responses, information about the premises, special instructions, hydrant information, telephone contacts, "call out" lists, and street closures, etc. Other capabilities assist the dispatcher to handle pre - scheduled calls and messages for officers. The system is table- driven and allows the user agency to define the coding structures to meet local needs and requirements. These features, used in the correct manner, allow the CAD system to achieve outstanding performance. CAD Fentures - In addition to the general features described in the Introduction Section, the use of the CMS Computer Aided Dispatch system offers the following advantages which are discussed in more detail in the descriptions which follow. • Multi- Jurisdiction /Agency/Unit Processing • Console workstations utilizing windowing technology and color highlighting (dual monitor/PCs for dispatchers) • Call taker capabilities • Dispatcher functions • Calls waiting queue • Automatic assignment of units • Information displays • Status monitoring (committed and available units) • Automatic time stamping • Officer alert • Wants and warrants information • Vehicle /driver license inquiries Multi- Jurisdiction /Agency /Unit Processing - A unique and cost effective feature of CAD is its ability to handle the dispatching and record keeping functions for multiple jurisdictions and each police, fire, and emergency medical agency simultaneously. History for each jurisdiction is maintained separately which offers user such benefits as the following: • Record security • Local crime analysis within each jurisdiction • Multi jurisdictional analysis (regional). 7