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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
(PLANO 9-1-1)
The City of Plano's Public Safety Communications department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days of the year. Located within an underground facility, the newly renovated center combines state-of-the-art technology with experienced and dependable employees to form a respected team of 9-1-1 professionals. These 67 people work a variety of shifts and are dedicated to helping the citizens of Plano when they need help the most. In the event of an on-site emergency, backup power is available as are backups for all critical systems. In addition, two separate, off-site facilities are maintained should PSC become unworkable. A mobile command center is also available if needed. We welcome the opportunity to show you our department.
 
RECEIVING 9-1-1 CALLS
In fiscal year 2002/2003 the Public Safety Communications department was responsible for answering over 178,000 emergency 9-1-1 calls and over 442,000 non-emergency telephone calls for the citizens of Plano. Once the telephone call is answered, communications personnel ask callers to verify their address and telephone numbers as well as the reason for their call. Once the information is entered onto their computer screen, the information is then sent to either a police or fire/EMS dispatcher who will assign units to the call and send the appropriate emergency personnel to the caller.
DISPATCHING POLICE/FIRE CALLS
 
 
Positions within Public Safety Communications require extensive initial and ongoing training of all personnel. The department dispatches all Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) apparatus within the City of Plano. In addition, Plano Public Safety Communications also dispatches EMS calls for the Cities of Lucas and Parker. In 2002, over 141,000 total calls for services were dispatched to emergency services personnel. All operating systems are computer-aided and require outstanding technical skills and multitasking abilities.
ADMINISTRATIVE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Operating such a busy facility is no small task. Supporting the Telecommunicators and the functions of the department are a staff of professionals who manage the administrative functions and technical operations of the City's multi-million dollar communications system.
 
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