Overview
The Absecon Police Department currently has a shared service agreement for 911 Dispatch Services with Galloway Township. Dispatch services are provided in a prompt, efficient and professional manner.
Communications Center
Dispatchers are the vital link between the citizens and the public safety, fire and medical services for the City of Absecon. The Communications Center dispatches police, fire and emergency medical services. The center handles many incidents each year that mainly include but are not limited to:
- General complaints; noise, parking, animals, fireworks.
- Criminal complaints of domestic violence, drug offenses, fights, burglaries, warrants for wanted person(s) or property. Assisting other agencies with investigations and mutual aid.
- Motor vehicle complaints and enforcement; traffic accidents ,driving while intoxicated, enforcement of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle laws.
- Public assistance, medical calls, missing person(s), fires, gas leaks, down wires, property checks, life liner checks.
Daily Operations
The City has assigned a Director to oversee the consolidation, perform ancillary duties as well as act as a liaison to facilitate all proper communications.
Shared Dispatch Services - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Background: Absecon Police Department has merged its 911 Dispatch Services with Galloway Township. Police services are not being changed. Dispatch services will continue to be provided in a prompt, efficient and professional manner.
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Will Absecon Police Officers still respond to my home and patrol our streets 24-hours per day after dispatch services are consolidated?
Yes. Nothing will change with regard to police patrol or response. If a citizen requests a police response in the City of Absecon, an Absecon Police Officer will respond as they currently do.
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If I call, will the consolidated dispatching center slow down the response rates for police and fire?
No. Calls will be routed the same way they are today.
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Who will answer the 24-7 non-emergency phone calls to the existing Absecon Dispatch Center (609-641-0667)?
The administrative phone calls will automatically forward to the consolidated dispatch center.
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Who will assist me at the Police Department outside the business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM?
After standard hours, a trained dispatcher will answer an exterior call box phone located outside the police doors. The dispatcher will have the ability to send an Absecon officer to the police department.
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Would the front door to the police department be locked after hours? If so, what if I feel threatened and would like to enter the building?
If a visitor is experiencing an emergency or immediate threat, they will be able to speak with a dispatcher on the monitored exterior call phone who will dispatch an Absecon Police Officer.
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ow will the Fire Department dispatching be affected by consolidation?
No change. Calls will be routed the same way they are today and services will still be provided by the Absecon Fire Department.
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What will happen to the personnel currently employed in our dispatch center?
Absecon staff will be given first opportunity to interview for the newly-created positions at the Consolidated Dispatching facility. A total of 4 new full-time dispatchers will be hired as Galloway employees by the Township of Galloway.
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How will this affect Absecon’s budget?
Absecon will realize financial savings immediately and exponentially in the coming years, as additional staff and updated equipment would have been needed to maintain the dispatch center.
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Who will perform the ancillary duties currently handled by dispatching personnel? How will the consolidation continue to function?
The Director of Communications position will be maintained by Absecon to handle ancillary duties as well as act as the liaison implementing the consolidation initially, and then facilitating all proper communications thereafter.
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How will the dispatchers know our community if they do not work here?
As in current practice, all new hires go through extensive training, which includes a ride-along program so they can learn about the geography and nuances of Absecon.
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Are there advantages to Consolidating Dispatch other than saving money?
Yes. At the Consolidated Dispatch Center, there will be multiple dispatchers to help expedite dispatch efforts and more effectively handle emergency situations. Standardization of protocols for police, fire and EMS and enhanced Mutual Aid Services.
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Have other communities been successful with consolidated services?
Yes. The following is a list of communities that currently operate under consolidated dispatch services in Atlantic County:
Linwood, Northfield, Longport, Pleasantville, Mullica Township, and Egg Harbor City.
