Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/109778
O ne of the most important areas inside a department is the dispatch area. Citizen concerns and complaints are addressed there, and it is where offcers��� safety is monitored. This is also often an area that binds together other parts of the department. Nearly everyone in the department contacts this area several times during their shifts. These employees, whether sworn offcers or civilians, are vital to the ongoing functions of the department. Appropriate personal and fle storage for the dispatch area and the rest of the offce provides a cleaner, less cluttered area, provides for security, and allows for easier access to fles. Today���s offce equipment is intended to take care of these needs and is geared to specifc task accomplishments. Dispatch Consoles and Furniture Dispatch and work consoles are important in reducing work place injuries such as repetitive stress injuries and improving productivity. Choosing a company to provide consoles often requires research and planning. There are many companies that provide communications consoles and it is important to choose a company that can provide products addressing the specifc needs of each department. Dispatch Products Inc. Joseph E. Mangas, Director of Communications for the Hamilton County (Ind.) Public Safety Communications Department, manages a communications center that currently dispatches for six law enforcement agencies and seven fre/EMS agencies. They have 27 full-time communications offcers and 10���15 part-time offcers. Hamilton County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. The City of Noblesville Communications Center consolidated with them in February 2011 and their new center was designed to meet the needs of serving multiple communications��� needs. They upgraded from a nine-console operation to a 24-position center. They wanted a state-of-the-art center that would complement their community, beneft public safety, and enhance employee satisfaction. They chose a company, that while not the low bidder, met their needed specifcations and as a bonus, was located in Indiana. Mangas found that Dispatch Products Inc. was ���great to work with and provided them with a product custom built to meet their needs, thinking outside the box and not developing the normal ���cookie cutter��� console.��� Mangas stated the most important considerations for his department in choosing consoles and other furnishings were durability, design, and workspace. Dispatch Products gave them several options for computer monitoring placement and overall workspace. He said Dispatch Products was current with the latest news and trends in 9-1-1 consoles. Mangas had other staff members involved as part of the decision making process at all the different levels. Since Mangas had experienced poor customer service with a prior console product, he was aware of the importance of customer service and support and made sure he dealt with a vendor who had a good reputation for customer service. Communications Director Mangas pointed out the importance of purchasing appropriate consoles and stated, ���You cannot rush the decision making process with consoles. It is the number-one major purchase for the 9-1-1 Center. The industry is fooded with companies manufacturing consoles, so setting aside the time to look is very important.��� Mangas stressed the importance of prior planning for a communications center. He said you must know what you want before you meet with vendors. www.lawandordermag.com 41