St. Louis County Police utilizes a fully computerized dispatch facility which is recognized as one of the most efficient and sophisticated centers in the Midwest. Besides having instant access to local, State and Federal criminal history files (REJIS, MULES, NCIC), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software is used to direct the closest available police units to all calls for service.
The St. Louis County Police Department is authorized to employ 81 professional staff with 24 hour supervision in its communications center to quickly handle citizens' calls for service. This staffing level avoids delays which often occurs in agencies which staff only one or two employees per shift. The St. Louis County Police Department communicates on an 800 MHz Digital Trunked radio system designed and built by Motorola.This radio system is a benefit to all public safety entities in the St. Louis region by increasing the level of interoperability between the City of St Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson Counties, the State of Missouri, Federal Law Enforcement agencies, and some public service agencies in Illinois.
St Louis County also operates the largest outdoor emergency warning siren system in the country, and is in the process of integrating Next Generation (NG) 911 into the 911 center. NG 911 has the ability to more accurately locate callers; and will eventually be capable of accepting text and video to the 911 software.
A St. Louis County Police Communications contract offers the following advantages:
- Decreased personnel costs, both direct and indirect (direct-salary, fringe benefits, etc; indirect-increase in street officer's time by not having to provide long/short term relief for dispatchers, i.e., meals, sick leave, vacation, etc.).
- Staffing to handle major incidents or large call volumes. Twenty-four (24) hour supervision is provided, as well as immediate availability of a dispatcher to operate the Riot/Mutual Aid Channel when needed.
- A new automatic call distribution system provides an average call answering time of emergency calls of 1.8 seconds.
- Reduction or elimination of capital/operational costs presently being funneled into the operation of a communications center.
- Minimal cost per call due to the sharing of costs among agencies.
- Improved coordination with County and surrounding agencies due to channel sharing.
- Elimination of personnel matters related to hiring, training, disciplining, etc. We comply with all OSHA, ADA and EEOC regulations.
- On-going maintenance and repair of radio system included in contract cost.
- Personnel dedicated to optimizing and updating radio system to meet changing environment and Department needs.
- Sophisticated Computer Aided Dispatching system provides faster call processing time, elimination of routine paperwork and extensive management and statistical information.
- CAD/911 databases updated on a daily basis to reflect new construction, streets, etc.
- Information contained in the CAD system can be retrieved, displayed and printed for all incidents occurring within a specific jurisdiction and categorized in any manner.
- A remote CAD terminal can be used for monitoring status of units, communicating with dispatcher and entering calls for service.
- Each agency is able to design multiple dispatch plans for their city based on the number of on-duty personnel on each shift. This allows the Computer Aided Dispatch system to always recommend the proper beat car for assignments.
- The Bureau of Communications hosts a Public Safety Dispatcher Training Academy.
- The Bureau of Communications has a dedicated CAD specialist and a dedicated Quality Assurance Manager.
- The Bureau of Communications has earned "Accreditation with Excellence" from CALEA.