Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD)

A relational database program that deals with assigning resources to

situations

What can you do with a CAD

• Send and receive calls

• Retrieve prior calls

• Access other law enforcement data systems– CLETS– NCIC

• Communicate with co-workers

• Collect statistical information

Components of a CAD

• Work Station

• Dispatcher

• Field Unit

Responsibilities of the Work Station

• Collect information from complainants

• Enter accurate information into the system

Responsibilities of the Dispatcher

• Receive calls from the work station(s)

• Select a field unit to handle the call

• Send the call to the field unit

Responsibilities of the Field Unit

• Respond to the calls sent by the dispatcher

• Keep the dispatcher advised of calls generated by the field unit itself

Ok, so how does the call get from the work station to the field unit?

The clerk at the work station receives a request for service

• Gather the information• Enter it into the

computer• The data travels

through the network to the dispatcher

The dispatcher receives the data from the work station

• Reads the call• Selects a unit or units

to respond to the call• Sends the call to the

unit(s)• The call is broadcast

over radio waves to the radio receiver in the unit

The unit receives the call and responds to the requested location.

• The radio receiver receives the call from the dispatcher

• If the call is for this unit then the call is accepted

• The unit responds to the call and handles the situation

We said that a CAD system is a relational database. So what databases would we have?

• Units

• Current calls or events

• Previous calls or events

• Map page to street address table

• Weapons and/or warrants at a location

Fields in the unit database

• Unit identifier (key field)

• Officer(s) in the unit

• Car identifier number

• Status– Assigned: enroute or arrived– Unassigned: available for calls

Fields in the current calls database

• Event number (key field)

• Type of call

• Location

• Complainant

• Summary of the situation

• Date/Time

• Unit(s) assigned to handle the call