The Observation Deck

I am surprised there is no conversation here about regionalization of safety forces dispatch.

Is this in fact being "explored?"

Is it a done deal?

How is the state involved?

Has there been a cost-benefit analysis? If so, how much money are we talking about?

Is this privatizing the service, or hiring another municipal dispatch to take it over?

What do we gain?

What do we lose?

And why is no one here apparently talking about it?

Hi Michael--

This is from the front page of last week's Lakewood Observer at http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/2022/0 ... at-is-next

Police Dispatchers: What Is Next?

by Jim O'Bryan

It seems that social media is outraged over the rumor that Mayor George has fired local police dispatchers and gone with some group called “Chagrin Valley Dispatch.” That rumor is not true. Here is what I know to be true:

Counties failing to reduce their number of dispatch centers run the risk of losing state funding, money that helps fund CECOMS (Communications- Electronics Command) the group that answers and transfers 9-1-1 calls and provides 9-1-1 system software for local communities. That state funding pays for a large portion of our 9-1-1 services including equipment and employees. Cuyahoga County at one time was at over 48 units. The current goal is five.

Many on social media were upset over the idea that changing our dispatch system would mean having people unfamiliar with Lakewood’s streets directing calls. Something very few people understand is that when you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, a majority of the time the call is answered at a dispatch office at Bedford Hospital, then routed to the correct city. So the City of Lakewood along with all others using the 9-1-1 system are already using the services of dispatchers that are outside Lakewood.

Under discussion is getting Chagrin Valley Dispatch to handle all westside 9-1-1 calls. In the coming weeks, the City of Lakewood will be forced to make the following decision: Go with the Western Suburbs, with whom we have spent decades building great working relationships, first with the Police Department with WEB (Westshore Enforcement Bureau), and then WestCom for Fire and Emergency Services. Or go it alone, with greatly reduced funding, and management issues.

As we went to press, North Olmsted had already placed the discussion on their City Council Docket. They are not part of the Westshore, but soon every city will be forced to decide how to handle the State mandate.

Currently Chagrin Valley Dispatch runs 9-1-1 services for over 30 cities in Cuyahoga county including the Metro-Parks and the County Sheriff. All the cities are happy with the service, though everyone admits hiccups. Our Fire Chief and Police Chief are in favor of the change.

Here is why we are talking about this now: Mayor George brought in our local dispatchers the moment serious talks were scheduled-- until then it was merely a topic that is often discussed. The dispatchers, not knowing the full story, went public with the information. It has spun out of control as often happens on social media which put the cart way in front of the horse. Next week, Mayor George begins formal talks with City Council, the Westshore Mayors, and others. Our current dispatchers have been assured jobs, pay raises, and full benefits.

Stay tuned.


I think the topic is being discussed at the Council Meeting tomorrow.

Betsy Voinovich

Thanks, Betsy.

Big Dispatch lobbyists in Columbus. $$$

michael gill wrote:I am surprised there is no conversation here about regionalization of safety forces dispatch.

Is this in fact being "explored?"

Is it a done deal?

How is the state involved?

Has there been a cost-benefit analysis? If so, how much money are we talking about?

Is this privatizing the service, or hiring another municipal dispatch to take it over?

What do we gain?

What do we lose?

And why is no one here apparently talking about it?

Michael this is truly Social Media at its worst.

The Mayor is exploring options as every Mayor in Cuyahoga County is doing right now, because of a State Mandate as counties to reduce dispatch centers, and trim costs.

During the talks about what it costs, emplyees etc, someone who is just a mixer, releases that it is happening and a done deal. The dispatchers read it and blow up. The Mayor then calls them in and shares what information she has, and hears what they want. Basically a better deal if any deal at all.

Which brings us back to the kangaroo court known as the Lakewood ant-social pages.

Some people that backed the utter contempt for residents the last two mayors had, thought it would be fun to go after Meghan and her secret plans. The problem, they asked for a copy of the contract, I have been assure by many parties there is no agreement, just an offer from Chagrin Valley Dispatch. So there was no docuemnt. They asked for her emails and it has been 7 days and I heard they were made public. Compare this to FtzGerald.Summers crew who the shit stirrers supported, 8 months, then 12 months, then 24 months. In the end they had to pay Observer lawyers $280,000 for their treachery.

This is a Trump style shit show.

Personally I like the dispatchers here, but it not my decision and I have not all the facts. However I have spoken with the Mayor, other Mayors, Fire Chel here and in other cities, and police and fire on the ground. I have also spoken with people now under CVD to see how they like the service.

For the record, I wrote my article to get some of the emotions out of this discussion.

Lakewoodite need to learn, they listen to some really sketchy people, who live to stir shit.

People that backed the closing of the hospital and the looting of nearly $300,000,000 in Lakewood assets followed by nearly a wall of City Hall lies., are the one whining about this the most! I guess they think like Rep Gohmert "The other side is not allowed to lie." Or more like sour grapes from day one.

https://www.businessinsider.com/gohmert ... ess-2022-6

That's it.

.

On first glance, centralizing dispatch seems like a efficient cost-saving idea, but I'm sure there are negatives."Help! I'm at the corner of Franklin and Bunts." "Is Bunts spelled with an 'S' or a 'Z'?" Or, "Is 'Lakeland' one word or two?"

Dan Alaimo wrote:On first glance, centralizing dispatch seems like a efficient cost-saving idea, but I'm sure there are negatives."Help! I'm at the corner of Franklin and Bunts." "Is Bunts spelled with an 'S' or a 'Z'?" Or, "Is 'Lakeland' one word or two?"

Dan

Something all westside cities are going through right now. Only North Olmsted has taken a first reading on Council.

You are right, that is a problem, and one dispatchers speak of. At the same time, only 2 live in Lakewood, which would indicate it can be learned.

Now does CVD have the same people do Lakewood everyday, indication is no not necessarily.

Speaking with a friend who lives under CVD now, he mentioned the transition was tough, but after about 6 months it was noticeably better, and now he doesn't even think of it.

Now let's go to boxing, something that is typical here, in so much as maybe once a month. Example would be the woman assulated by 5 males near the high school. The police set up perimeters, and work down. 8 blocks, to 6 blocks to 4 blocks etc. A very effective way to catch criminals. It pays for the dispatchers to have local knowledge of the area. It also pays to have a working relationship with police.

As a dispatcher will point out that they do not even need the officer's number as they know their voices. Very true, but another learned skill we all have.

I am with virtually everyone I have spoken with, including the dispatchers, police, mayors and residents. I want to know more.

It is a shame that social media kangaroo court blew this up, and it is now being used and abused by trolls.

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