SOUTH PLAINFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT

CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS

Provides centralized communications for the following South Plainfield Agencies:

	Police Department
	Fire Department
	Rescue Squad
	Office of Emergency Management
	Domestic Violence Crisis Team

Capabilities

The Central Communications center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with highly trained 9-1-1 Communication Operators. The Center has;

	four (4) separate radio console positions
	two (2) 9-1-1 terminals
	Three (3) Computer Aided Dispatch computer
	Capability to access several State and Nation Law Enforcement systems.
	Mobile Data Computer using Cerulean PacketCluster Software

The 9-1-1 Communication Operators handle both emergency and non-emergency calls from start to finish. They answer the 9-1- phone and then dispatch the appropriate emergency service. The call information must then be entered into the Computer Aided Dispatch computer. All dispatch, arrival times for each emergency unit sent is entered separately and tracked by this system. And finally when the call is completed they enter any closing remarks. Besides handling over 38,000 calls a year, they are the first point of contact for citizens who appear at Headquarters, or callers who dial the non-emergency number (908 755-0700) and need help locating the correct extension or general information.

STATISTIC'S

	38,000 Calls are handled per year.
	Over 140 9-1-1 calls are answered per month. Our average answer time for 9-1-1 is 4.2 seconds. This exceeds the State of New Jersey requirements (12 Seconds) by 7.8 seconds). During the Labor Day Storm in September 1998, we averaged 10.2 seconds for 100 (first two hours) 9-1-1 calls.
	The Center is staffed by Civilian Seven (7) Full-time and 7 Part-time 9-1-1 Telecommunicator's. Sworn Officers do not work in the Center.

Job Opportunities: (apply on-line)

We hire and train the best personnel to be become a certified 9-1-1 Communications Operator. If you are interested in a job, you should have the following qualifications:

	18 years of age or older.
	High School Diploma.
	Ability to type 35 words per minute.
	Basic Telecommunications - This course is 40-hours and covers the basics on call-taking and answering the 9-1-1 telephone.
	Emergency Medical Dispatch (E.M.D.) - A 32 hour course on providing medical care instructions over the 9-1-1 telephone.

For information on locations and time for the Basic Telecommunications or E.M.D. courses contact the State of New Jersey 9-1-1 Office at (609)-777-3950.

If you require more information about job opportunities contact

Capt. Paul Brembt at (908) 226-7667. The Borough of South Plainfield is an equal opportunity employer.