This NJ grant will fund upgrades to Paterson's 911 emergency call center
PATERSON — The city has gotten a $1.4 million state grant to upgrade its 911 dispatch system, funding that officials say will provide its emergency call center with the latest technology.
What will the new system do?
The improvements will allow callers to send text messages and livestream videos to the 911 dispatch center, officials said.
The new technology also will let dispatchers identify the exact location of cellphone callers, a change that city public safety officials said could make the difference between life and death for people in crisis situations.
“Let’s face it: Seconds count,” said Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott.
When will the system be in place?
Paterson expects the new system to be in operation by May 2024, when the city opens its new emergency dispatch center at a former industrial building on Pennsylvania Avenue, said Mayor Andre Sayegh.
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The building is undergoing about $2.2 million in renovations to house the communications center, which will serve Paterson’s police, fire and public works departments. Years ago, the city tried to convert the building into a commercial kitchen hub for small food businesses, an initiative that ended up becoming a multimillion-dollar boondoggle.
“Instead of filling bellies, we’re going to be saving lives there,” the mayor said.
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At present, Paterson’s emergency dispatch center operates out of the police headquarters on Broadway. As part of the upgrade, officials said, the number of stations for call dispatchers will rise from 16 to 20.
Joe Malinconico is editor of Paterson Press.
Email: editor@patersonpress.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paterson NJ 911 emergency call center upgrades funded by grant
