IPSWICH -
Police Chief Gavin Keenan and a representative of the Essex County Sheriff’s office clashed over the prospect of the town joining a regional emergency dispatch center in Middleton at Monday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting.
Joseph McGowan, attorney of Essex County sheriff, spoke in support of a provincial 911-call center currently in the works in Middleton.
McGowan argued towns like Ipswich could save money in the long run and see improved emergency services by becoming members. Under this affiliation communities pay about $16.25 per capita per year to join and Town Manager Bob Markel said, if estimates stand scrutiny, the town would save about $90,000 a year.
Ultimately, the Selectmen put off action on the issue, saying it needs further study.
The issue had been scheduled for the May Town Meeting, but was removed from the warrant.
Keenan vehemently opposed this plan while delivering a report to the Board, describing it as “costly and ineffective.”
“It’s a more sophisticated, robust center,” said McGowan. “There will be more people in one room.”
This hub features 12 dispatchers on duty managing calls and coordinating responses. Dispatchers use computer-mapping systems to locate those in need. Floor plans could be sent through the center to police and fire departments already on approach to the scene.
“They’re already moving, making one picture everyone can see,” McGowan said.
The center is set to use GPS and CAD. Dispatchers enter information, which then is transferred to dispatchers on site.
Selectman Ingrid F. Miles spoke of a past visit to a call center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “Its a pretty amazing system, everyone is on the board.”
The state is providing $4.9 million grant towards construction of the site, which could handle emergency services of up to 13 communities in Essex County. The center is slated to be built next to the Middleton Jail.
Markel said Ipswich would pay roughly $213,000 annually as a constituent. “If these numbers stand scrutiny, we’d be $85,000 to $90,000 thousand less than what we’re at now.”
McGowan said towns and cities are required to become members for a minimum of five years.
“Police services will be reduced. There will be a loss of local knowledge of the people and geography,” Keenan countered. “We already have the capability of communicating with eastern New Hampshire and the Rhode Island border. Responses will be delayed with GPS exercised from a remote location.”
McGowan said dispatchers would know the streets and communities through in-depth training.
Keenan said about 800 non-emergency calls are handled in a week and 911 calls average 10 a day.
A question was raised about the future of local emergency response employees.
“It’s our intention to absorb personnel, that’s how the project started,” stated McGowan. “They become state employees rather than employees of the municipalities.”
The written agreement does not mention hiring current staff for the Essex County 911 call center.
“This is a truly complex issue,” said Board Member Charles D. Surpitski. “The police chief raised some valid concerns. Having only two police officers on the streets is unacceptable. I think more study is needed.”
http://www.wickedlocal.com/ipswich/news/x1750349215/Dispatch-clash
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