As we’re starting a new year, it’s a good time to ask yourself – and your agency: Is our command center stuck in the past? Your center has countless moving parts, all of which need to be properly maintained, serviced and upgraded. But budget concerns, higher-profile priorities and a shortage of resources may mean your upgrades keep getting put on the back burner.
The beginning of a new year offers the opportunity to put your command center front and center. Here are 5 new year’s resolutions to strengthen your command center:
Assess Your Current Needs and Estimate for the Future
When you’re making the case for command center upgrades, it’s important to paint a detailed picture of your current pain points, how they’ll compound over time and the ways in which addressing them now will prevent more problems down the road.
Gather statistics such as: the number of calls your center has processed over the last 5-10 years; growth in the number of cell phone calls; population growth estimates from your state or local planning office
Prioritize the Parts of Your Technology Refresh
During your needs assessment, also keep an eye on which parts of your command center are holding you back most, which are most critical to public safety, and which would be easiest to upgrade. Is it that your console can’t keep up? Is it time to upgrade your analog radios to digital two-way radios? Are you woefully unprepared, overall, for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911)?
Identifying both the big-ticket items and low-hanging fruit will allow you to prioritize and decide what to tackle first. If you aren’t sure exactly where to start, a 911 command center dealer near you will be able to provide an assessment as well as recommendations. They’ll probably also know how your command center stacks up to other agencies in your region.
Keep in Mind that Command Center Trends Are All About Comfort
As municipalities across the country upgrade, replace and consolidate their command centers, they’re making them both more technologically advanced and user friendly on all fronts.
In addition to new, ergonomically minded furniture, command centers are being outfitted with kitchens that would make some of your local restaurants envious, outdoor eating areas, “quiet rooms” to give staff a place to take breaks, and exercise rooms. Taking good care of your command center staff better prepares them to take care of the public you serve.
Renew Your Commitment to Training
Regardless of whether you get all of the new equipment on your command center wish list, you can still strengthen your center by making sure all staff are properly trained. People should know how to use all of your technology, both when things are going well and when they fail.
While public safety consoles, radios and dispatch equipment have some of the most reliable technology available, there’s always a chance that things can go wrong, and your dispatchers, officers and other first responders should be prepared.
Perform Preventive Maintenance and Service
Many of the best wireless communications dealers have certified and experienced technicians on staff who can help make sure that your equipment is being properly maintained and repaired. Maintenance will ensure that your technology is always ready when you need it.
