Bergen County 911 Dispatch Center Enhances Regional Emergency Services with New Free 911 Service

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Mahwah NJ, at the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center in Mahwah, dispatchers work tirelessly, illuminated by the glow of multiple screens that display crucial maps, logs, and other information. Each call is met with the standard greeting, “nine-one-one, where’s your emergency?”—a lifeline for those in need across the county. As of July 1st, 911 services provided by Bergen County are now free for its municipalities, marking a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to regionalize emergency services.

Advancing Regional Emergency Services

The center, located in northern New Jersey, currently serves 19 of the county’s 70 municipalities for 911 services. Some towns also pay for additional police, fire, and EMS dispatch services. The regionalization of these services has been a long-term goal for Bergen County, according to County Executive James Tedesco. The county’s efforts also extend to other emergency services, including the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the SWAT team, and water rescue and dive teams.

“Local communities no longer have to bear the financial burden of these services alone, yet we still ensure the highest level of safety for Bergen County,” Tedesco said. His vision for a regionalized communication center aims to save taxpayers money while enhancing service efficiency.

The Challenges of Staffing and Technology

Staffing dispatch centers is a challenge nationwide, with high turnover rates and many positions left unfilled. To address this, Bergen County has introduced “pods” of dispatch groups tailored to specific regions, based on call volume and needs. These pods not only alleviate the burden on smaller towns but also improve service quality.

Director Charles Schwartz of the Bergen County Public Safety Operations Center explained that the center’s unique setup allows for interoperability across towns with the same radio frequencies and equipment. This ensures that from the moment a 911 call is received to when emergency services are dispatched, the process takes under a minute—a crucial timeframe in emergency situations.

Cost-Effective Solutions for Local Communities

The decision to make 911 services free was driven by a desire to ease financial strain on local communities. Previously, municipalities were charged 75 cents per resident for 911 services, a cost that was reduced to 50 cents before becoming entirely free this July. The county now generates additional revenue by offering police and other dispatch services to towns that request them.

Schwartz noted that the costs for these additional services are determined by the volume of calls and are designed to be cost-effective for municipalities. “We only bill them what it costs to run a desk,” he said, emphasizing the shared service model that benefits both the county and the towns it serves.

Preparedness for Emergencies

The center is equipped with extensive backup systems, including a secondary dispatch location in Paramus and mobile command units for large events and disasters. This redundancy ensures that the system remains operational even in the face of potential blackouts or cyber threats.

“Redundancy is the name of the game,” Tedesco said, highlighting the importance of preparedness in maintaining uninterrupted emergency services.

Bergen County’s commitment to enhancing and regionalizing its emergency services, coupled with its new free 911 service, is a significant step forward in providing efficient and cost-effective support to its residents. As the county continues to innovate and adapt, it sets a strong example for regional cooperation in public safety.

 

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