Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/143936
RADIO & DISPATCH Without the officers factored in, the cost was very similar to the bid entered to keep dispatch internal. All current employees were encouraged to apply with the new company. "For the first year, we matched their salary and then went to pay-for-performance," says Consalvos. "We had 400 applicants for 14 openings; 40 applicants have prior public safety experience, not only dispatchers but police officers and fire personnel as well. We have a waiting list." As far as familiarity with the town… which was a big concern prior to the change…Posluszny states, "When everything is done computer-aided with standard operating procedures at your fingertips, knowing the town is not really that important." Posluszny explains the testing, hiring and training is better than anything they had to offer. "They had the ability to pick it up and move on and get to a high level of operating very quickly," says Posluszny. "I love it. The service is so much better." Posluszny believes the reason behind all the positives is the company. "If you get a good company with [iXP's] background and their ability, I don't see it as a negative," Posluszny states. "The whole idea is to provide 911 to the public and they do that. Win-win for the community all around." Cohen and many police telecommunications operators still have doubts when it comes to turning over a vital public service to a for-profit corporation. "When you have somebody calling in an emergency and you need highly trained people with closed managerial control that are the linchpin between you being saved, that is the last thing I want to take out of control of the public," explains Cohen. Consalvos disagrees. "It's a different model," he states. "But for some it's a viable opportunity. There is a lot of fear. Part of the fear is fear of change." As budgets continue to strain public services, officials will have to start thinking outside the norm. As this happens, we might even see the job stay the same while the boss changes. ■ Michelle Perin has been a freelance writer since 2000, and has worked for the Phoenix (Ariz.) Police Department for almost eight years. In December 2010, she earned her Master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Indiana State University. M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N For more information on these companies, circle the corresponding number on the Reader Service Card COMPANY iXP Corp. READER SERVICE NO. 87 HOMELAND SECURITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Courses for public safety practitioners. Courses include: Law Enforcement Professionals Available Now! Fire Service Professionals Available Now! Emergency Management Professionals Coming Soon! No fees, no cost! Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium DISCLAIMER: This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number 2008-GD-T8-K015 administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, Training and Exercises Integration Secretariat. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not represent the ofcial position or policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. To enroll or get more information please visit www.preventivestrategies.net or call 1-800-860-6657. Circle 85 on Reader Service Card 32 Law Enforcement Technology July 2013 Circle 86 on Reader Service Card www.officer.com