2006 DPS Annual Report - Arizona Department of Public Safety

Criminal Justice
Highlights of the Criminal Justice Support Division:
Operational Communications Bureau
Support Division
Dispatchers improve quality of customer service through online survey
In an effort to improve the quality of service to our sworn customers, the Operational Communications
Bureau implemented an online customer service survey in Feb. 2006 at the following internet web address:
www.azdps.gov/opcomm/survey.asp. This survey is easily accessible through the Arizona Department of
Public Safety website, and allows the customer to rate the level of performance and services provided by
Operational Communications employees in three dispatch centers (Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff). The
surveys are reviewed by Operational Communications and used to gauge customer satisfaction and to
strategize towards improving service.
DPS partners with ADOT in sharing Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) information
The Arizona Department of Public Safety partnered with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
to purchase and install a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system for
the ADOT Freeway Operations Center. The CAD system was operational
at DPS in 2004, and the addition of a common CAD at ADOT in
Jan. 2006 provides both agencies with computer connectivity that allows
for sharing of critical information pertaining to highway safety.
The CAD allows ADOT to keep apprised of all incidents that DPS has
dispatched, provides real-time messaging between agency dispatchers
which eliminates the need for most phone calls between agency dispatch
personnel, and provides faster notification of highway incidents.
Arizona Emergency Radio System (AERS) State plan completed
Operational Communications was a participant of the operations workgroup of the Statewide Interoperability
Executive Committee, and completed a State plan outlining how interoperable communications will be
conducted on the Arizona Emergency Radio System (AERS). This radio system provides interoperable
communication for first responders of law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services. The operational
guidelines will be a template for all Arizona first responders to utilize in the event of a multi-jurisdictional
operation that requires a common radio channel.
Interoperable radio link between DPS and ADOT activated in May
In May 2006, an interoperable radio link was activated between the Arizona Department of Public Safety
and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The radio link is initiated in the dispatch centers of both
agencies, and connects the respective field units to each other to facilitate direct-radio communications.
This interoperable communication is very beneficial in providing better coordination of major incidents on
the highways requiring the joint effort of both agencies.
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