Agenda - 12-13-2011 - 8e - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 Once an employee is hired by the County, it takes between 12 and 24 weeks to train, orient, credential and release as a Stn position that is still monitored by the Supervisor to reduce liability prior to the 1 year anniversary of awell-trained telecomunicator. The turnover rate has remained a major factor due to the competition of other 911 Centers who have the same pay scale or higher with fewer responsibilities. Although the equipment in the Center represented newer technology, afour-year installation delay resulted in expired warrantees and aged technology. Much of the equipment was received in 2006, but not instaited until 2008 and then not fully utilized until 2009. Much of .the current dispatching backbone equipment has reached its life expectancy and must be replaced. Older {analog} technology is required to ensure communications with several agencies throughout the area who cannot afford to outfit responders with newer equipment and results in the telecommunicators "simulcasting" on digital and analog communications equipment when dispatching calls. Analog is susceptible to distortion and inaccuracy due to competing signals, whereas digital is more powerful and not as susceptible. Digital is easier to transmit data for actions such as automatic vehicle location, station paging and calls-in-service transmissions to mobile data terminals. Although this procedure a{lows communications among all users, it doubles the workload of communications staff and occasionally results in dispatching errors, staff fatigue and in some occasions missed transmissions. Regulatory agencies requiring Projec# 25 standards, which encompasses maintaining the capability to communicate on the State's VIPER system coupled with the communications industry, is driving the need for equipment upgrades and replacement. Orange County Emergency Services is committed to reducing call processing and response times. The public has become accustomed to instant messaging, texting, social media and instan# feedback requiring Next Generation Internet-based equipment enhancements.. The State 911 Board strongly recommends centers adopt computer aided dispa#ch software standards to achieve regional communications interoperable capabilities. OSS( software is commonly used in the area for computer aided dispatching. Automatic vehicle location equipment further enhances reduction of response times by providing the telecommunicator with instant information to appropria#ely deploy assets. This technology, coupled with cutting edge technology such as OSSI software, can be programmed #o au#o-select the mast appropriate resources, allowing the telecommunicator to monitor calls in progress to ensure first responder safety. While some equipment can wait 24-36 months for replacement, some will need upgrading or replacement within the next 12-18 months. EQUIPMENT Urgent Needs FY 2012113 Phase 1 911 Center Radio Console Replacements: {7} $616,000 Once the State moves to Project 25 (2012/2013), it will require these to be replaced. Mobile Repeaters: (2 @ $20,000 each} $40,000 To provide a redundant fink to the VIPER network in areas with low VIPER coverage Backup Radio System: $200,000 Ensures adequate communication capability following catastrophic system failure