LA PLATA, Md. (March 18, 2010)—On Tuesday, March 16, the Commissioners approved a budget amendment increase that will enable the Emergency Services Department to start the installation of a new 911 equipment refresh. This upgrade comes at no cost to the County; it is funded by a grant received by the Emergency Number Systems Board (ENSB).
In June 2009, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services presented a 911 refresh and enhancement project proposal to ENSB for funding consideration. ENSB manages the 911 Trust Fund, which is set up to fund 911 projects across the state.
ENSB awarded Charles County $2.2 million for the enhanced 911 system. These funds will cover the costs of four new 911 call taker positions, a new IP capable PBX phone switch with redundant servers, new functionality GIS mapping software (including the interface with the current computer-aided dispatch system), and new hardware for 17 workstations at the 911 Call Center.
The new equipment will enable Charles County to exchange information with other voice over internet protocol phone systems, better prepare the County to accept 911 message from new technologies, improve user interface with the software, accept GIS feeds from other agencies and provide Charles County with the infrastructure needed to migrate automatic vehicle location technology.
Source: Charles County Government