New CAD dispatch system funded for local law enforcement

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - A new dispatch for local law enforcement will become a reality. Both the Wapello County Board of Supervisors and Ottumwa City Council approved funding for the project Tuesday.

The Police Chief and Wapello County Sheriff say their current systems are outdated and inefficient when it comes to sharing information. Ottumwa Police Chief Chad Farrington has said the current dispatch has “walls” between departments.

Wapello County’s Sheriff says he’s wanted this dispatch system since 2017. “I think this is going to be something that’s going to help all first responders in our county, not just the police department or sheriff’s office,” Sheriff Don Phillips explained at the Board of Supervisors meeting. “It’s going to provide immediate information and be a good officer safety added system.”

The computer aided dispatch is through CentralSquare Technologies. The total quote for the system is $600,035.93. The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation supplied a $200,000 grant, and the E911 Service Board funded $50,000 for the project.

The Ottumwa City Council and County are splitting the rest. The County agreed to spend $179,178.48 of American Rescue Plan funds. The Ottumwa City Council also approved spending $170,857.46 on the system at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

Sheriff Phillips says he expects the system to be fully set up in the law center within 8-12 months.