Oceanside

Oceanside will be a test site for a state-of-the art, computer-assisted police and fire dispatch system under an agreement approved Wednesday by the City Council.

NCR, which plans worldwide distribution of the system in 1986, will provide the city with the equipment at no cost during the test. The city will, however, have to spend $34,000 for structural modifications to its police headquarters and for personnel training. Funds are already available under the existing budget.

The computer system, versions of which are being adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country, is expected to improve dispatch operations and vastly increase data storage capabilities.

For example, Fire Chief James Rankin said, it will enable firefighters to better catalogue buildings housing various hazardous materials, and homes with guard dogs, invalids or residents with unusual medical histories.

Police Chief Larry Marshall, who called the technology “a critical part of Oceanside’s future crime-suppression efforts,” said the system will help pinpoint crime trends, decrease police response times and assist officials in processing public safety data.

After the 12-month test program, the city will have the option of purchasing the system at a reduced rate--$305,134 instead of $492,151, a savings of 38%.