Software speeds emergency dispatch times in Lancaster, S.C.

Dispatchers at the Lancaster County Public Safety Communications Center in Lancaster, S.C., are using software from Troy, Mich.-based New World Systems to speed first responders. Center staffers use the company’s Aegis suite of public safety software, says Lancaster County’s Director of Public Safety Communications Chris Nunnery. The communications center licensed New World’s Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) while the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office licensed Corrections Management, Mobile Messaging, and Police Records.

“Believe it or not, we didn’t even have CAD before New World,” Nunnery says. “Everything we did was manual. We hand-processed everything two to three times and moved all forms through the system manually. Now that we’re using CAD, the amount of time saved in dispatch is tremendous.”

Nunnery estimates that the communications center receives 185,000 calls and processes 47,000 9-1-1 calls annually. Using CAD, rescue personnel safety has been improved with features like premise history information that first responders can review prior to arriving on the scene.

“Our main goal was to improve responder safety,” Nunnery adds. “Now we provide them with as much information as possible about the environment they’re going into, so they can stay safe and help keep the community safe.”

Nunnery says the decision to work with New World was based on word-of-mouth support from neighboring York County along with New World’s customer support.

“What impressed me the most and what gives me the most comfort in working with New World is the relationship we have with the trainers and support staff,” Nunnery explains. “These people got us through implementation and continue to be there for us.” Nunnery adds that the dispatch team works with New World field staff to meet objectives.

Learn morea bout New World Systems here.