St. Cloud, MN: GeoComm Public Safety Consulting Services recently completed a comprehensive and detailed study of Iowa’s existing 9-1-1 environment for the Iowa Statewide Interoperable Communications Systems Board (ISICSB). GeoComm’s Public Safety Consulting Services team partnered with the ISICSB to review the existing State of Iowa wireline and wireless 9-1-1 systems to determine how these systems can improve to operate more effectively and efficiently in the future. Another important aspect of the project included a high-level review of the interoperability capabilities of Iowa Public Safety Answer Points (PSAP)/9-1-1 dispatch centers.

This project resulted in numerous short-term and long-term recommendations or achievable goals related to governance, funding, network, PSAP/9-1-1 dispatch center operations, technology, interoperability, GIS, and legislation. The recommendations were determined after data collection from each of the PSAPs/9-1-1 dispatch centers in Iowa, stakeholder interviews, and extensive research and analysis. Data collected determined the strengths and weaknesses of the current 9-1-1 environment and allowed for identification of potential improvements in the overall operational, administrative, and financial processes.

“The completed 9-1-1 study will help in the planning for the future of the 9-1-1 program in the State of Iowa,” stated Barbara Vos, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management E9-1-1 Program Manager. “We enjoyed working with the GeoComm team, and they produced a very usable study for our program.”

GeoComm Public Safety Consulting Services project manager, Nancy Pollock, will present the findings and recommendations of the study at the Iowa APCO/NENA Spring Conference on April 3, 1:00pm, at the Holiday Inn – Jordan Creek in West Des Moines, Iowa.

“The partnership of GeoComm’s professional consultation and the Iowa 9-1-1 program and stakeholder project team has resulted in a comprehensive and useable roadmap for improving 9-1-1 service, sustainability, and survivability for the State of Iowa,” stated Nancy Pollock, GeoComm project manager.

About GeoComm: GeoComm is a public safety consulting, GIS, and software development firm dedicated to public safety. Over the past 16 years, GeoComm has conducted more than 600 public safety consulting projects and has been at the forefront of understanding and implementing public safety communications systems. GeoComm subscribes to the Project Management Institute’s effective practices and Code of Ethics. We partner with our customers to develop unique solutions and recommendations based in their environment. http://www.geo-comm.com/consulting.html