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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS LAB EQUIPMENT |
The Public
Safety Communications equipment lab continues to grow and upgrade.
Telephone
System
Our
Computer
Aided Dispatch
In our lab,
we use a Computer Aided Dispatch program environment using PRIME-BC (Police
Records Information Management Environment) software and Versadex CAD. Electronic
complaint screens, address recognition, automated event-generation, recommended
units are just some of the features of this system. The software runs in a
network configuration and is user friendly! Call takers create incidents from
their workstations and post them to dispatchers working at the three screen
monitors. Students become familiar with entering and processing emergency calls
electronically. This system, while mainly configured for police, can be used
for tri-service operations, creating a more realistic call-processing
environment.
Dispatch
Consoles
Our radio
consoles have been generously donated by the RCMP to give the look feel and
sound of a real Communications Centre. The "recycled" consoles are
user friendly, and give the students the opportunity to practice radio
dispatching on our four fully operational radio channels. Students get to
experience how to communicate over portable and console radios. The addition of
new Motorola portable radios in 2009 makes the simulation more realistic. This
is what makes our lab unique for training! It comes complete with all the
problems and traits associated with radio communications in the real world.
Nice
Mirra IV Logging Recorder
Telephone and Radio transmissions are
recorded and played back using our logging recorder.
Headset
Interface
Our
telephone / radio headsets and amplifiers are supplied by Plantronics. Because
they are compatible with most communications centres across the Lower Mainland,
students can use their own headsets when they begin employment in the field.
Scripted
Incidents
Several
hundred incidents have been created to tie together all aspects of emergency
call processing and the communications lab facilities. The incidents range from
the very simple to very complicated, and encompass all aspects of the Simulated
CAD system that Kwantlen has built for training. This creates a realistic
call-processing environment, using all aspects of the communications systems
and equipment typically used in the handling of emergency calls.
Furniture
and Equipment
The
communications equipment (terminals, console, loggers) are arranged to give the
lab a realistic feel. It simulates as authentic a communications environment as
possible. Our workstations do double duty for word processing and internet
access, giving the facility maximum use by our students.
The
end result of all of this?
There are
fewer on the job surprises for the graduates of this program. Agency training
time is reduced and the these employees are more familiar with communication
processes. In short, Public Safety Communications students graduate better
prepared to assimilate into the real world of emergency services
communications.
For further information please contact us by phone at (604) 598-6118
Tally Wade, Public Safety Communications Program Coordinator
email:
tally.wade@kwantlen.ca
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Safety Communications Home Page
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