In June, the Police Department began a complete makeover of its 911 Communications Center. The Department's old communications system utilized radio equipment that was between 15-17 years old. The system was not under warranty, had a defunct battery back-up system and incorporated an old radio tower that could not provide total coverage for the boundaries of the Village creating "dead" zones of no radio coverage.
Realizing a strong need for a new system, the Village Council approved a budget of $373,075 to be used for the purchase of a radio system replacement and access to Palm Beach County's existing system. Migrating to a new system relieved the Village of the burden of maintaining an unpredictable radio system, provided multiple officer safety improvements and radio coverage for any and all future annexation areas.
Part of the system replacement required the replacement and reconfiguration of the equipment and furniture in the Communication Center. The department purchased communication radio consoles and bookcases, which will be reimbursed through the State's 911 Fund program. Also, by selling one of the department's old radio frequencies to Palm Beach County and through the use of 12.50 Fund dollars, we were able to lower the total cost of the system makeover.
The final product of this project is a more modern communications center that utilizes state of the art equipment and enhances in technology that will keep our personnel and community safer.