A Big Step Forward
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By Mike Scott
Emergency responders in Clark County can respond to calls a little quicker, thanks to a new software program in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center.
“It will save a lot of time,” said dispatcher Ryan Lewis.
Previously, dispatchers either looked at a large wall map, or flipped through pages of a map book to provide directions.
“We were wasting a lot of time,” Lewis added.
The new system can search for addresses in a number of ways, including both new five-digit 911 address and old county road addresses. Dispatchers type in the address, and it instantly shows up on a map of the county, allowing dispatchers to relay accurate directions to responders.
“We can zoom in or out on the map,” said Lewis. “It will also tell us the property owners. Eventually, it will show us the renters, and even telephone numbers.”
The upgrade is actually an addition to the county assessor’s property software, and will provides better cross-referencing data to help dispatchers guide emergency vehicle in rural areas. The software will be updated quarterly, to keep current with changes.
The software upgrade, laptop and display monitor were purchased by the Clark County Commission, and maintenance and upkeep of the equipment will be added to the Sheriff’s Office budget going forward.
In an May interview with The Media, Eastern District Commissioner Henry Dienst said, “We do not have an E-911 system, but we hope this will be the next best thing. We feel it’s going to be a really good investment.”
“It’s a big step forward,” said Lewis. “Anything we can do for the citizens of the county, we want to do.”