Communications Section
Chandler Police Communications answered just over 345,500 emergency and non-emergency phone calls in 2018, an increase of approximately 6,500 calls from 2017. ASAP to PSAP, the automated alarm notifications designed to provide early notifications, added approximately 3,200 contacts this year. Non-emergency text messaging increased by 50% to nearly 5,000 text conversations in 2018, with over 350 picture and video submissions by the community.
The Communications division continues to seek out opportunities to ensure the most contemporary technology is available in the emergency communications center.
- Text-to-911 was implemented in April. This provided the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired community direct access to 911 for the first time. It also provides an additional reporting tool for those who cannot safely call 9-1-1. Chandler has been able to respond to several victims under these conditions.
- Enhanced 9-1-1 location technology was added in June to the existing 9-1-1 system. This new technology searches for the location of a 9-1-1 caller using the technology in the caller’s device. This provides more timely and accurate information compared to the existing 9-1-1 infrastructure that provides a network-based location. This supplements the traditional 9-1-1 system and provides an additional tool to help find callers using cell phones.
- Uber 9-1-1 reporting was made available in October. Uber riders can push an emergency button within the Uber app during their ride and reach 9-1-1. Traditional 9-1-1 and enhanced 9-1-1 location information is automatically provided to the dispatcher. The Uber vehicle description, license plate, rider’s name and phone number is also automatically sent through the 9-1-1 system. Uber drivers can report emergencies through the app as well, which will also provide all of the additional information. This information saves time during incidents that may be moving, in locations people may be unfamiliar, and in vehicles with which people are unfamiliar.
- Access to ADOT cameras were made available towards the end of the year. This allows dispatchers to coordinate with the Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol on incidents, as well as have situational awareness on incidents occurring on or around the freeways..
