Sheriff Installing Call System
(Source: The Lima News) By Bob Blake, The Lima News, Ohio
Jul. 30--LIMA -- In the coming weeks, the Allen County Sheriff's Office will be switching to a new automated phone system. The new system is designed to help dispatchers be more efficient in dealing with increased call volume, the chief deputy told county commissioners Wednesday. Chief Deputy Jim Everett said the system by Securus Technologies wouldn't cost the county any additional money. The system will be paid for through the fees for collect calls made by inmates, he said.
"What we're trying to do is take some of the call load off of our communications operators so they have more time to answer emergency calls," Everett said. In addition to freeing up time for dispatchers, the new system also has extra benefits for callers and inmates.
"They can, through voice recognition, speak the inmate's name. It would give their visitation time, their bond, their next court time," Everett said. "Plus, with this system, the inmates can actually check the same information. That saves them from having to contact one of the corrections officers." County commissioners Dan Reiff and Greg Sneary approved moving forward with the switch on Wednesday. Commissioner Sam Bassitt was not present.
The move comes as the Sheriff's Office looks to streamline its operations amid the continuing county budget crisis. Sheriff's Office dispatchers also have increased duties handling dispatching duties for a number of other agencies across the county, Everett said. Commissioners on Wednesday approved formal agreements with Bath Township, American Township, Lafayette-Jackson Township Fire Department, Cairo-Monroe Township Fire Department and the Westminster Fire Department for the Sheriff's Office to handle dispatch duties. Commissioners also approved an agreement with Bluffton for the Sheriff's Office to handle police, fire and emergency medical services dispatch duties for the village.
The new phone system should be up and running in eight to nine weeks, Everett said. To see more of The Lima News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.limanews.com.
Copyright (c) 2009, The Lima News, Ohio Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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