Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/143936
RADIO & DISPATCH have complete control over the workforce and the ability to be flexible. Cohen questions the ability of a private company to "redact, respond and adjust to changes." Consalvos argues the employees at iXP come from the public safety world. "We are police officers, firefighters and EMTs," he states. "We have a public safety mindset. This is where the management of our company have long and distinguished careers in public safety. We have a public safety focus with operations, technology and governing perspectives." Cohen continues to argue accountability. "Private companies need to make a return on investment," Cohen says. "I'd rather a dispatcher make $60,000 with secure benefits and not be stressed out at work, then the company making the 10 or 12 percent rate of return." He also reminds that without good monitoring the public could get taken. Consalvos counters their contracts are public record and include performance, oversight and transition clauses, all of which are designed to give the public the best ser- The discussion should be how to give high quality service frst. If you start the conversation on cost, you could always get something cheaper. vice, management and ability to transition back to a public call center if they are not pleased with the service. A case study: Lawrence On April 1, 2013, an iXP contracted call center went live in Lawrence, NJ and police chief Dan Posluszny has nothing but good things to say about the change. "We've been in a budget crunch for a couple of years," he states about his township and the state as a whole. "We had spoken about consolidation at one point and looking at dispatch services." Prior to contracting with iXP, Lawrence's dispatch center only had five of its nine positions filled, requiring the township to take officers off the street to fill the gaps. "It was difficult for us to retain good candidates, train and maintain them," Posluszny explains. On January 22, 2103, after a 4-0 vote, Lawrence became the first town in New Jersey to privatize their 911 services. iXP won in the RFP process, receiving a two-year contract paying $719,400 a year to run the emergency dispatch services. This saves the township over $1.1 million over five years when compared to the cost of having officers fill vacancies. you need this robot. Climbs stairs, Durable Tracks, Two way Audio, Dual Cameras, Easy Setup CarbonFire 10 mounting capability AVATAR II for SWAT, Police, CBRNE, and EOD use. 650.838.9191 www.robotex.com sales@robotex.com Circle 84 on Reader Service Card www.officer.com July 2013 Law Enforcement Technology 31