$211,000 Deal Would Complete Upgrade of Police Dispatch System

The City Council tonight will consider awarding a contract for about $211,000 to Public Safety Systems Inc. to install the final phase of a program to computerize the Police Department’s dispatching.

The Police Department began its Computer Aided Dispatch during fiscal 1995-96. The program uses computer software to manage calls for police service, verify addresses and check histories for previous requests for police service.

The result, city officials say, is a faster response and an increase in officer safety.

Software was designed to interface with terminals already installed in patrol vehicles.

The system allows the department to dispatch calls over the mobile data terminals, eliminating the possibility that outsiders might monitor the radio frequency. It also allows for confidential information to be sent to and received from patrol vehicles, officials said.

The city staff is also recommending that the council support a move by the Sanitation Districts of Orange County to consolidate nine districts into one. The sanitation district provides trash collection, sewage treatment and disposal services for about 2.2 million people, including Placentia residents.

The district is proposing the consolidation to simplify its infrastructure, reduce the size of its board and streamline administrative, accounting, auditing and decision-making processes, a city staff report said.

The council also will vote on renewing the city attorney’s contract and make appointments to several city commissions.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers, 401 E. Chapman Ave.

Information: (714) 993-8231.