Integrating Computer-Aided Dispatch Data with Traffic Management Centers

Chapter 6. Strategies to Advance Computer-Aided Dispatch Data Integration

The examples and strategies contained in this primer have highlighted numerous successful Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) integration efforts throughout the country. There are many positive case studies of how law enforcement and transportation operations have made CAD integration a priority and have worked through institutional and technology challenges. These States and regions are also able to demonstrate benefits of integrating CAD data, and there are quantifiable performance outcomes that show:

• Reduced time to respond to and clear incidents as a result of CAD integration.
• Reduced risk of responder exposure to hazards because of faster incident clearance times.
• Accurate location information which provides responders with better information to position response vehicles before getting to the incident scene.
• More efficient time management for law enforcement dispatch and Traffic Management Center (TMC) operations through integrated CAD data sharing.
• Robust data to support Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program investments and resource needs.
• More complete performance reporting and analysis capabilities gained through CAD data integration.

For agencies that are just getting started with initiating conversations about CAD integration to agencies that need to plan for future enhancements to existing CAD integration strategies, there are several steps that can be taken to support continued advancement of data sharing relationships.

Track and Report on Traffic Incident Management Performance

The foundation of a strong business case for CAD integration starts with good data. Agencies that have started to track and report on TIM performance are likely to identify performance gaps that were previously not known or known but not quantified with reliable data to support them. Recognizing that CAD data can help to address current gaps in performance management is a positive step forward. Data and infographics provide powerful communication tools to engage agency leadership and other stakeholders to garner support for future integration strategies.

Establish a Business Case for Computer-Aided Dispatch Integration

There are several examples and case studies within this primer document that can help to support a business case for integrating CAD data. It is important that the business case point to needs and priorities that are specific to a State or region. Identifying the specific problems that can be addressed through CAD integration can make the business case more meaningful and compelling for agency leadership. Case studies can provide some helpful data points and lend credibility to a localized business case, but using local issues and local data, and identifying specific local benefits, will help to strengthen the overall approach. A business case should identify:

• What problems are driving the need for integrating CAD data.
• How law enforcement, public safety, and other agencies will benefit from the investment of time and resources to integrate CAD.
• What benefits agencies can expect to see on the transportation system.
• How benefits translate into specific responder safety and responder efficiencies outcomes.

Outreach and Engagement

Being proactive in engaging representatives of law enforcement, public safety, responders, transportation operations, planning, and others can help increase awareness of the importance of CAD data integration. TIM coalitions, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Operations committees, and even professional organizations provide additional opportunities to increase awareness of the issue. Focused outreach strategies and messages to agency leadership highlighting the safety and economic benefits, efficiencies in leveraging current technology investments, and other key elements from the business case can help to garner their support. Figure 7 shows a recent multi-agency public safety training session that brought together numerous TIM stakeholders to discuss multi-agency best practices.

There are many opportunities to promote the benefits that could be realized by focusing on advancing CAD integration:

• Multi-agency events like the Eastern Transportation Coalition CAD Integration workshop can bring together key stakeholders to discuss strategies, concerns and develop solutions.
• 9-1-1 working groups, TIM Coalitions, transportation operations/Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) committees, and other similar groups will have a connection to some element of system performance or system operations and can be made aware of efforts to try to advance CAD data sharing.
• Complex corridor projects, such as Integrated Corridor Management planning, major construction/reconstruction projects, and other project opportunities could be important catalysts for advancing discussions on the importance of sharing real-time data. These efforts also help to promote awareness and importance of real-time CAD data and how this valuable data can be used as part of a suite of ITS and technology solutions. By including CAD data as a foundational component of operations strategies, there is also the potential to leverage cost-sharing or provide opportunities through ITS funding to assist public safety agencies in upgrading and enhancing CAD systems.
• Professional societies, including State and local chapters of ITS America, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and similar societies could benefit from hearing how CAD integration could be advanced in their local areas.

Peer Exchanges and Site Visits

Agencies that have successfully advanced and sustained CAD integration may be willing to share their firsthand experiences of how they garnered internal support, how they modified processes to enable data sharing, stakeholders they engaged, and the benefits they are getting as a result of their efforts. An in-person or virtual peer exchange can promote dialogue and sharing of ideas, best practices, what challenges were faced, and how those challenges were addressed. Hearing directly from peer agencies, including law enforcement, technical/Information Technology staff, transportation operations, and procurement or other groups can provide tremendous value in garnering support from local stakeholders. Figure 8 shows how events such as TIM Awareness Week can bring about attention to issues such as CAD data sharing.

Agencies can reach out to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) for help in identifying potential peers and setting up peer exchanges, virtual meetings or site visits. Law enforcement or transportation agencies that are willing to serve as peer examples can also contact the FHWA or NOCoE to actively engage with peer organizations that could benefit from their expertise and experiences.

Standards Organizations

Helping to shape technology and data compatibility strategies is an integral part of ensuring that CAD-TMC integration continues to benefit from streamlined and automated information exchanges. Organizations such as ITE, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and others are all actively engaged in standards developments and updates. There is a strong need for active practitioner engagement in defining and revising standards that support continued CAD data integration.