Baldwin Deputies Use New Mobile Dispatch Units in Patrol Cars
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — When it comes to emergency response, time is of the essence. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is using new equipment that helps deputies get information quicker and ultimately make the community safer.
From inside the 911 center to out on the roads, the BCSO is working hard to protect the community. Over the last month, Cpt. Lynnette LaRocque says the department installed mobile computer aided dispatch units in patrol cars.
“Now when a caller calls in, we can instantly see them on a map,” LaRocque said.
That information is sent to deputies out in the field. 911 operators can see where the cars are and assign the emergency to the nearest deputy. The system pinpoints the exact address on a map.
“There’s no delay, no knocking on doors trying to find where they’re at and where they need help,” deputy Cameron Ptak said.
Each mobile dispatch unit also shows which deputies are responding to calls.
“If we have deputies out on traffic stops or out on calls, we can see what they’re out on in our vehicles,” Ptak said. “It’s a lot easier than everybody yelling on the radio trying to find out where they’re at.”
This connection and communication is key when it comes to responding to emergencies. In situations where every second counts, having that information at your fingertips can make a big difference.
“Our response time has increased quite a bit since we have installed it,” LaRocque said. “We’re getting there faster, we have more information, and we’re able to share it with one another.”
LaRocque is proud of the fact that taxpayers did not pay a dime for the new dispatch system. The sheriff’s office received a $250,000 grant to upgrade their equipment.
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