New system bridges gap between police and community
The Plant City Police Department just made an addition to its automated technology.
Earlier this month, the police department rolled out the new customer service platform for public safety by SPIDR Tech, a California-based public safety company. When a call for service is sent out to dispatchers, the software will automatically text message reporting parties and 911 callers with updates on the status of the call and any additional information.
Crime victims will be notified through a text message about the status of their case through an investigative process.
Reporting parties can also provide feedback on their interaction with the police department.The system helps to bridge the communication between law enforcement and the public should an emergency or disturbance arise.
This also comes as the police department has made additions to its communications department.
It now has the RapidSOS system where it can pinpoint where a call is coming from if the caller doesn’t know exactly where they are located.
This is a mapping system that spans across the nine zones that police officers oversee in Plant City.
Dispatchers use the closest WiFi router to determine where the call is located.
Dispatchers use color-coded maps to divide the city into those nine zones.
Also, the police department is set to receive a new computer aided dispatch and records management system to replace what is currently being used.
The older system has not been updated in decades.
“Due to its age, customer service and text support has declined,” said James Bradford, chief of police at the Plant City Police Department.
Not only is there a decline in customer service, but also technical support from the current provider. It also has no mapping capabilities for dispatch or in a car’s mobile terminal.
The new Motorola Solutions will have new features, such as mapping capabilities like what is already found in the communications department.
It will also be equipped with data analytics and record management which will provide better service from both the police department and fire department.
“Motorola Solutions has a proven track record of responsiveness and reliability,” Bradford said.
It is an integrated call control solution with a single map view of events.
Call takers can quickly share centralized data.
This system is already being used in 2,000 police departments, sheriff’s offices, communications centers, fire departments, and correctional facilities nationwide.
The cost for the system will exceed $1.3 million dollars over a five-year span.
