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12 <br />Once an employee is hired by the County, it takes between 12 and 24 weeks to train, orient, <br />credential and release as a 5th position that is still monitored by the Supervisor to reduce liability <br />prior to the 1 year anniversary of a well - trained telecomunicator. The turnover rate has <br />remained a major factor due to the competition of other 911 Centers who have the same pay <br />scale or higher with fewer responsibilities. <br />Although the equipment in the Center represented newer technology, a four -year installation <br />delay resulted in expired warrantees and aged technology. Much of the equipment was <br />received in 2006, but not installed until 2008 and then not fully utilized until 2009. <br />Much of the current dispatching backbone equipment has reached its life expectancy and must <br />be replaced. Older (analog) technology is required to ensure communications with several <br />agencies throughout the area who cannot afford to outfit responders with newer equipment and <br />results in the telecommunicators "simulcasting" on digital and analog communications <br />equipment when dispatching calls. Analog is susceptible to distortion and inaccuracy due to <br />competing signals, whereas digital is more powerful and not as susceptible. Digital is easier to <br />transmit data for actions such as automatic vehicle location, station paging and calls -in- service <br />transmissions to mobile data terminals. Although this procedure allows communications among <br />all users, it doubles the workload of communications staff and occasionally results in <br />dispatching errors, staff fatigue and in some occasions missed transmissions. <br />Regulatory agencies requiring Project 25 standards, which encompasses maintaining the <br />capability to communicate on the State's VIPER system coupled with the communications <br />industry, is driving the need for equipment upgrades and replacement. Orange County <br />Emergency Services is committed to reducing call processing and response times. The public <br />has become accustomed to instant messaging, texting, social media and instant feedback <br />requiring "Next Generation" Internet -based equipment enhancements. The State 911 Board <br />strongly recommends centers adopt computer aided dispatch software standards to achieve <br />regional communications interoperable capabilities. OSSI software is commonly used in the <br />area for computer aided dispatching. Automatic vehicle location equipment further enhances <br />reduction of response times by providing the telecommunicator with instant information to <br />appropriately deploy assets. This technology, coupled with cutting edge technology such as <br />OSSI software, can be programmed to auto - select the most appropriate resources, allowing the <br />telecommunicator to monitor calls in progress to ensure first responder safety. While some <br />equipment can wait 24 -36 months for replacement, some will need upgrading or replacement <br />within the next 12 -18 months. <br />EQUIPMENT <br />Urgent Needs FY 2012113 <br />Phase 1911 Center Radio Console Replacements: (7) $616,000 <br />Once the State moves to Project 25 (2012/2013), it will require these to be replaced. <br />Mobile Repeaters: (2 @ $20,000 each) $40,000 <br />To provide a redundant link to the VIPER network in areas with low VIPER coverage <br />Backup Radio System: $200,000 <br />Ensures adequate communication capability following catastrophic system failure <br />