They also allow for a police department to be connected to a local, county, state, and federal network of criminal justice databases (Computer-Aided Dispatch Software Resources, n.d.). Typically emergency calls for service are automatically routed to dispatchers. When these calls are received the CAD system will recommend a unit assignment based upon a number of factors. These include: the location of the incident in question, they type of call that it is, and the availability of units for dispatch. Another feature that CAD systems have is to keep an online history of all calls that are taken. This history is usually kept for a six-month time period. This allows the dispatcher to have access to any prior calls regarding specific addresses, which may be helpful for the officer that is responding. It also maintains notes about locations that might contain important information for the officer. An additional helpful feature of the CAD system is that of time stamping. The system time stamps a call when it comes in, when it is assigned, and when it is completed. This helps for reporting purposes when trying to figure out how efficiently a police department is running (McEwen, 2002).

A further feature that a Computer Assisted Dispatch system can have is that of a mapping system. A mapping system can help a dispatcher better locate the source of a call along with helping to determine the best route that can be used to get to the scene. This feature allows for law enforcement dispatchers to obtain quicker response time during emergencies. This feature also includes the use of a GIS or Geographic Information System. This provides the dispatcher with geographical analysis and visual references to use in call dispatch (Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Provides Mission Critical Mapping Capabilities for 911 Call Centers, 2008).

In addition to assisting with the dispatching of emergency calls, a CAD system has other functions as well. It helps by providing dispatchers with the status of all...

It also tracks any other activities that an officer might be engaged in, such as traffic stops. Knowing what officers are available to take calls is very important in being able to run a police department efficiently (Computer Aided Dispatch in Support of Community Policing, 2002).
The strategic and tactical applications of an E911 and CAD system are to facilitate the taking and dispatching of emergency calls. The goal is to have a fast and reliable system in place to assist in handling emergency situations as quickly and efficiently as possible. Having the information that is needed all in one place and easily accessible is the key to handling 911 emergency situations effectively. Encompassing E911 into a good Computer Assisted Dispatch system is the best way to make sure that emergency situations are responded to in a timely fashion and that the help that is needed is received as quickly as possible.

References

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System Provides Mission Critical Mapping Capabilities for 911 Call Centers. (21 February 2008) Retrieved February 28, 2009, from TechTaxi Web Site: http://techtaxi.blogspot.com/2008/02/computer-aided-dispatch-cad-system.html

Computer-Aided Dispatch Software Resources. (n.d). Retrieved February 28, 2009, from Dispatch Magazine Online. Web Site: http://www.911dispatch.com/info/cad/index.html

E911. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27,2009, from Webopedia Web Site: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/E911.html

Encyclopedia >Computer Assisted Dispatch. (n.d). Retrieved February 28, 2009, from NationMaster.com Web Site: http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Computer-assisted-dispatch

McEwen, T. (2002). Computer Aided Dispatch in Support of Community Policing. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from Institute for Law and Justice Web Site: http://www.ilj.org/publications/CAD&CommunityPolicing_FinalReport.pdf