More than 100 people attended the December 1 presentation on the findings of a feasibility study for centralized dispatch in Atlantic County. The study and a cost impact analysis prepared by ADCOMM Engineering LLC are now available on the county website for public review and comment at: Atlantic County 9-1-1 & Centralized Dispatch | Atlantic County, NJ.
County Executive Dennis Levinson informed those in attendance at the meeting that the county will do what the towns would like, whether that means moving forward with a 9-1-1 call center and centralized dispatch or not.
“We discussed centralized dispatch about 10 years ago but the idea was dismissed due to pressure from opponents. We are now the only county of 21 in the state that does not have some form of centralized dispatch,” noted Levinson. “As technology changes, upgrades become necessary and can be cost-prohibitive. By reducing duplication and combining our resources we can save taxpayer dollars while continuing to ensure public safety.”
Levinson encouraged all fire, police, EMS and elected municipal officials to thoroughly review the studies and join in discussions. The feasibility study provided three models as examples of how the county could proceed if they choose to do so.
“This is not something that can be accomplished in short order, but the longer we wait the more expensive it becomes,” said Levinson. “Let’s educate ourselves to make the most informed decision in the best interests of the residents we serve.”
