The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering ways it can help local first responders implement new 911 dispatch technology that would enable police and fire departments to see what dispatch is seeing when out on calls.
Commissioners were briefed this year on CAD Mobile, which can show police and fire personnel precise locations, call lists, and pending calls using mobile devices. The system is in use by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and the Niles Police Department, but not at the other police and fire agencies around the county.
Sheriff Chuck Heit told commissioners this week local chiefs have received a memorandum of understanding from the county seeking to expand CAD Mobile, but they want to know how much they’ll have to pay.
“That’s an important part for the law enforcement agencies to know,” Heit said. “I know there’s been talk of 50% and in there, but it doesn’t really say that amount, which may cause some concern moving forward.”
Implementation at all agencies would run about $596,000, and the county is looking for sources of state funding. Board of Commissioners Chair Mac Elliott said this is worth pursuing.
“I mean, if we can see where people are in real time, something’s happening, something’s going down, and we can see where law enforcement personnel are right then, that public safety component is, I don’t know how you put a dollar figure on it.”
One possible source of support is the still-pending Michigan Public Safety Trust Fund. County Administrator Brian Dissette said more could be known about the county’s ability to roll out CAD Mobile once the new state budget is finalized.
