New county dispatch system will enhance response times

Sarasota County has begun implementing new technology aimed at reducing the time to process an emergency call and is in the early phases of installing a new computer-aided dispatch system.

Together, the technologies are designed to provide faster response times and give first responders more accurate and timely information about emergency situations.

Last November, the Sarasota County Public Safety Communications Center upgraded its hard-wired, call-processing equipment and mobile emergency service internet, becoming the only public safety answering point in the country to implement both services at the same time, and the third in the U.S. to join a burgeoning national network providing location-based routing.

The new technology delivers the call and location simultaneously to the 911 call center, ensuring it goes to the correct agency the first time. It will decrease the time spent and the number of calls transferred between Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, which can occur when callers don’t know their location or when a call bounces off a cell tower in a neighboring jurisdiction. 

“The use of this new technology will help save precious time in an emergency and highlights Sarasota County as a leader in response and service to our community,” said Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis.

Included in this upgrade is an internet-based remote emergency call processing system, which uses laptops that, when paired with the remote radio system, will allow Sarasota County to receive and dispatch emergency calls anywhere there is internet connectivity. This ensures continuity of service under inclement weather conditions.

“We appreciate the county’s continued support in providing these enhancements in technology for the 911 call center that will improve the services we offer the citizens of Sarasota County,” said Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman.