New interoperable command center in DC | 11.28.2006 | 05:20:00 | Views: 5270 | ID: November 28 '06: In Washington DC, 18 regional first responders will now be able to communicate with each other and members of federal, regional, state and local governments during an emergency through a new Unified Communications Center Washington Technology reported Monday. The command center, eight years in the making, signals the creation of a new multi-platform and interoperable communications platform that will link emergency management and response in the area. The UCC as it is called, cost more than $106 million. Washington Chief Technology Officer Suzanne Peck told WashTech that the new center will help eliminate inefficiencies, jammed lines of communication and create a more streamlined approach to emergency management and victim triage. "The new Washington center," WashTech continued, "and the way in which it incorporates and coordinates multiple jurisdictions at various levels of government via an interoperable voice and data network and regional communications center, is precisely the type of project that many state and local governments are planning for, industry officials said." According to Washington regional radio WTOP News the UCC has also allowed up to 97 percent of all 911 calls to be properly answered and triaged, according to UCC Director Michael Latessa. In addition to increased efficiency, "the average pickup time has been zero seconds" when area residents call the 311 side.
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