Nebraska city, county consolidate dispatch center
Posted By: Channel 8 Eyewitness News
8@klkntv.com
COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) _ A county sheriff’s office and a city’s police and fire departments are trying to improve services to eastern Nebraska residents by unifying their dispatch centers.
The Columbus City Council and the Platte County Board of Supervisors announced the new Joint Communications Center earlier this month. The city agreed to fund the initial costs of operation and provide the building.
The county will supply equipment and reimburse the city for continuing operating costs.
Columbus City Council President Charlie Bahr says emergency calls incoming to the Columbus Police Department from outside city limits often experience a delay because callers need to be transferred to the county sheriff’s office.
The joint center omits the middle person and will transfer emergency calls directly to the specific department in charge.
