By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
November 2, 2011

Kansas City Police Department said goodbye to 15-year-old technology Oct. 27, unveiling its newly remodeled 911 Call Center.

For 11 months, the center underwent renovations and now features the latest radio system technology, upgraded furniture, a video wall and a fresh coat of paint.

Before upgrading to the P-25 radio system, Kansas City and neighboring law enforcement agencies experienced difficulties in communication. For example, Motorola radio equipment could only communicate with Motorola-made radios and other brands also monopolized their equipment.

However, following the Sept. 11 attacks, the Federal Communications Commission and Homeland Security adopted regulations that require all radio equipment to be P-25 compatible.

Kansas City is helping to create a regional radio system to include Johnson County, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Riverside and others.

“We will have interoperability with our sister agencies,” KCPD Communications Unit Manager Steve Hoskins said. “Now, we have the capability to work an incident together anywhere from western Johnson County to eastern Independence with the shared resources we’ll have available.”

In addition to an upgraded radio system, the call center features new consoles, which can hydraulically raise and lower to accommodate a dispatcher sitting or standing. Each console also has individual climate controls and track lighting.

The “video wall” houses 13 different television screens, which can be programmed to display ongoing 911 calls, live traffic and other views through KC Scout Traffic Cameras and city security cameras, weather reports, news broadcasts and more.

Dispatchers can use the screens to view traffic accidents and direct police on the best route to use or even help spot a criminal in the area.