NCJ Number
191957
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 120-124,126,127
Date Published
October 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes considerations when choosing a Computer Aided Dispatch system.
Abstract
A major consideration when choosing a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is the stability of the software company and the quality of its research and development. The system should be easy to operate and train on, and expandable. But the most important consideration is support. CAD software must integrate well with a department's radio frequency or CDPD network and their mobile computers or handhelds. Another key consideration is the speed at which the dispatcher entry screen refreshes after data input, and how fast the system will process commands and return an error. It is important that the project manager know whether the vendor or the agency is responsible for the system. It is also important that the lead person is not a programmer but someone who understands contracts and economics. When purchasing a CAD it is important to know how good the vendor's help desk is, its availability, and how much training the vendor will provide at both the installation and operational stages.