Emergency Communications

The Matrix Consulting Group has extensive experience working with dispatch and emergency communications service providers, having conducted over 100 studies for PSAP agencies across the country.

Click on a subject area below to learn more about the services we provide and view samples of our work:

Staffing analysis

Identify the best staffing model for dispatchers and call takers to better serve community needs and public safety partners

Analysis of staffing needs for 911 emergency communications is predicated on understanding the unique characteristics of each dispatch organization and applying advanced APCO and Erlang-C modeling techniques. These are strongly influenced by:

  • • 911 versus 7-digit call loads
  • • CAD-based incident transactions
  • • Work schedules and personnel availability
  • • Public safety partners’ unique needs
  • • Ancillary or administrative work performed by dispatch staff

Various benchmarks for performance help drive staffing models, such as NENA’s call-answering standards. However, each organization has its own challenges, discovered through comprehensive on-site work, that must be carefully considered.

Case Study: Portland BOEC

Operations analysis

Develop a best-in-class dispatch organization through a detailed operational assessment

911 organizations are challenging places to work, with multitasking requirements placed on staff, stressful work environments, constant turnover, and demanding clientele. Ensuring that operations are effective at the most reasonable cost requires:

  • • Balancing staff with work schedules
  • • Providing effective training
  • • Making technology and personnel work well together
  • • Performing effective recruitment, selection and employee retention
  • • Holding staff accountable for doing the right things at the right time

A strong 911 organization is founded on in-depth and repeatable operational principles consistent with a variety of management and other best practices.

Case Study: Stanislaus 911

Consolidation feasibility

Help ensure public safety is best achieved by proactively studying dispatch consolidation opportunities

While it is a contentious issue in some areas of the nation, many states have driven 911 consolidation initiatives. Be prepared to best answer what kind of emergency communications model would best serve public safety, through an analysis that includes:

  • • Identification of operational and fiscal pros and cons associated with consolidation
  • • Detailed cost modeling associated with varied service delivery options
  • • Development of a consolidated organization from the ground up
  • • Governance approaches
  • • Identifying key
  • impediments to success

Case Study: Butte County 911

Implementation assistance

Obtain professional assistance in implementing 911 programmatic efforts, large or small

Dispatch agencies are constantly evolving to better serve their constituents, devising various programs to meet needs. Obtain assistance in a variety of areas to include:

  • • Supporting consolidation implementation
  • • Technology transition assistance
  • • Program assistance such as enhanced recruitment and retention efforts
  • • Resolving long-standing operational issues preventing best service delivery

Implementation services can be crafted to the client’s unique needs.

Case Study: Kenilworth 911