Belleville Police preparing for Next Gen 9-1-1 tech

Belleville’s Police Chief says it will likely be late this year or early next before their Next Generation 9-1-1 system is ready for use.

Dispatch systems must be upgraded to the next gen technology by March 2025.

Chief Mike Callaghan says NG9-1-1 compliant phone and computer services were installed at the new police station but more work is required to get the complex system ready.

“And the internal training will take quite a bit of time, not only to get the staff hired but to train them on the NG9-1-1 system before we’re able to flick that switch so that we’re NG9-1-1 compliant.”

Last week it was revealed Belleville Fire would likely be phasing out its dispatch service because of the cost and manpower required for the technology.

As a result Quinte West, which was using Belleville for fire dispatch, made the decision to have St. Catharines provide the service.

Callaghan says there is some room to grow their dispatch system but since fire and police services work on different systems there would be even more work to do and more staff to hire if they were to take on fire dispatching duties.

“If council were to make that decision, that we would have to look at cross-training members and standing up another dispatch system and then training the current staff with that technology as well.”

Callaghan adds Belleville Police currently handles dispatching duties for Deep River Police and says while there may be opportunities to add more police dispatching he can’t say if that would result in a large revenue stream for the city.

Callaghan praises the NG9-1-1 technology calling it a game changer that will save lives.

“It’s going to be great as far as the caller being able to call in and dispatchers being able to see exactly what’s transpiring. If they want to do a live stream video or if somebody is in a situation where they can’t talk but they can text and they’re in fear for their life, we’re gonna be able to assist them significantly more than making a phone call.”

Callaghan tells Quinte News he expects their system to be up and running late this year or early 2024.