City of Plano

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Information

How 9-1-1 Works in Plano

Outdoor Warning System

C.A.R.E. Program

C.A.L.E.A. Accreditation

Quick Reference:

Police/Fire/Medical Emergency dial 9-1-1

Non-Emergency reports, assistance, or questions call (972) 424-5678

Cell phones without service can dial 9-1-1

The Outdoor Warning System audible test is run on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 Noon

Make sure to lock your cell phone! If you accidentally dial 9-1-1 just stay on the line

Be aware of your location: get to know your streets and addresses

If safe to do so write down license plates of suspects in crimes

The Facility

The Public Safety Communications (PSC) Dispatch Center is a secure environment strategically located underground at City Hall. In 1991 the separate dispatch operations for the Fire and Police departments were combined to a single 9-1-1 answering point in order to provide a high degree of coordinated response to emergencies. This technologically advanced center has the ability to instantly generate and run on its own power in case of an outage without any disturbance to the radio or computer systems.

PSC Dispatch Center

Some agencies use a method of dispatching where the call-taker is the same person to dispatch a call to the responding units… This facility has allowed Plano to separate the tasks among communications personnel who can operate 4 different specific functions throughout the shift;Call-Taking, Police Dispatching, Fire/(EMS) Dispatching and NCIC operations. This enables calls to be dispatched much more quickly, allows the call-taker to provide continual and specific directions until responders arrive, and provides for better safety of those responding units.

4 different monitors track 4 specific systems

Because of it's 24/7 nature, PSC provides a break room complete with microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, a dishwasher, cable TV and storage space for its employees.

microwaves, refrigerators, and TV are provided for employees since their shifts maintain 24/7 service PCS also maintain an Emergency Dispatch Center at a remote site

PSC also maintains an Emergency Dispatch Center in a remote location with sufficient dispatching equipment in case it becomes necessary to evacuate the municipal center.

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