Communications is one of the most important services within the East Orange Police Department. The men and women who serve as Communication Dispatchers are responsible for maintaining the essential information link between the public and the police officers in the field.   

It is the Communication Dispatchers who typically have the first contact with the citizen, and the decisions that they make can dictate the entire department's response. The Communication dispatcher's job is to listen to the information offered by the caller, ask appropriate questions to discover the true nature of the call, assess the information quickly, and then make a decision on how to manage the call.

All calls that require police officer's) and/or a supervisor to respond to a location are entered into the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system and prioritized. The calls are then dispatched by radio, or by computer to a mobile data terminal MDT (photo)  to the appropriate police zone radio car or to a foot (walking) officer.

The Communication TAC Commander oversees the entire operation and at times takes control of all major emergency conditions by handling the radio broadcasts transmitted by the East Orange Police Department and all transmissions via the State Police Emergency Network (SPEN). Communications also handle the vast amount of tele-communications which  are sent and received over the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the State Crime Information Center (SCIC) computer.

Thee Communications Center interior room has been totally renovated and is equipped with the latest technological gear on the market. From the latest up-to-date computer aid dispatch (CAD), advanced touch screen capability, encrypted channel frequency for security, radio frequency identification and locator and the most modern 911 call back emergency system. Integrated systems include the most advanced ergonomics designed chairs, modernize desk console work stations, extraordinary interior lighting, steel entrance door accessible only by computer generated identification cards for maximum security and automatic comfort climate control.

Mission Statement
 
Our mission is to advance an understanding of the objective and capabilities of the East Orange Police Departments 9-1-1 Emergency Response System in order to enhance operations, and provide effective and efficient service to the people of our city and members of our Department. We will accomplish this mission by educating people in the community, in public forums, through the print media, and the distribution of printed material. At every opportunity our finest personnel will represent Communications Division and the Department in a manner that is above reproach. Our commitment to this mission will mirror our commitment and dedication to the Department and our constituents.

9-1-1 - Telephone - Emergency Information - Using Cellular Phones for 9-1-1 and #77 Aggressive Driver System

9-1-1 should only be used for an emergency. An emergency is a life-threatening situation, crime in progress, serious crime that has just occurred etc; Critical Needs Information. Obviously there are other situations that require police response but are not really 9-1-1 type calls. For those, use: 972-266-5000-01. When you call 9-1-1 for an emergency, it is important that you remain calm and are prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions. 

The "Who," "What," "Where," and "When" of the situation you are reporting are extremely important. Sometimes it may seem the questions are unnecessary, or may not make sense to you, but there are good reasons why they are asked. You can help by providing brief accurate answers. Patience will help us to process your call and get help to you as quickly as possible.

When calling 9-1-1, it is important that you remain on the line, even if you dial in error. If you dial in error and the call goes through and you didn’t stay on the line, the dispatcher is required to send police to the computer provided location that the call came from to confirm that no emergency exists.

How to report an in-progress emergency? Here are some questions that you will most likely be asked by the 9-1-1 operator when you report a call that is "in progress" (taking place at the time you call.) If you can give the operator this information, you will reduce the number of questions that will have to be asked, and speed the police or fire response. There will be other things they need to know, so bear with the operator so that the appropriate response can be given. Remember: Help is already on the way as you talk to the operator - they are just gathering more information for the responding units. I am calling from . . . (where you are now - the address) to report a . . . (type of incident; i.e., burglary, shoplift, assault, etc.) that is happening at . . . (where this is occurring) My name is . . . (your name and job title if on the job) The person(s) doing this are . . . (where they are exactly) The suspects(s) is described as . . . (for each person involved) Race: (White, Black, Asian, Indian, etc.) Sex: (Male, Female) Age: (Best Guess) Height Weight Hair Eyes Clothes: (from top to bottom) The suspect(s) are associated with a car described as. . . Color Year Make Model License Number There will be additional things that the operator and responding units will need to know, and they will ask you. Some things will need to be clarified. Be patient with the operator and remember: Help is on the way! Each year millions of cellular telephone calls regarding roadside emergencies and life-threatening accidents pour into New Jersey's emergency call centers. The calls come in through the motorists use of the 9-1-1 System, the #77 Aggressive Driver System, and various other cellular hotlines that have been established. It is very important to use the appropriate system to report incidents you observe, so that the right priority is given to your call and it is properly directed. Generally, 9-1-1 should be used to report life-threatening emergencies, such as motor vehicle accidents, disabled motor vehicles, all suspected criminal activity, and other general emergencies requiring immediate police or medical service response. 9-1-1 calls are priority calls and services are dispatched immediately. The #77 Aggressive Driver System should be used to report aggressive or erratic driving that poses a risk to other motorists on the roadway. While these calls are important, 9-1-1 calls are prioritized over #77 calls as required by law. In #77 call response, police services are made aware of the report and respond according to availability and proximity to the incident, as well as, seriousness of the report. This system should not be used to report 9-1-1 emergencies.

Interesting Links Related To Telephones and Location

Resources available related to your telephone....

Reverse Telephone Directory: Allows you to enter a telephone number and obtain the name and address of the owner if listed.

Toll Free Number Search: A search engine that allows you to locate toll free numbers.

Resources available related to location.... 

US Postal Service Address and Zip Code Lookup: Look up addresses and zip codes

New Jersey Turnpike Exit List: Provides a list of all the signs for all NJTP exits

Atlantic City Expressway Exit List: Provides a list of all the signs for ACE exits

Garden State Parkway Exit List: Provides a list of all the signs for all GSP exits

Volume Of Calls Received and Dispatched Per Month

Communications Bureau Commander: Deputy Chief of Staff Kevin Morgan 
Communications Unit Commander: Sergeant Kenneth Welshman
Supervisor 1500-2300: Sergeant Reginald Butts
Supervisor 2300-0700: Sergeant Unassigned
Relief Supervisor: Sergeant Unassigned
Telephone: 973-266-5000-01

Desk Console Work Stations 1-2 of 10

Police Aide Dispatcher Pamela Cook
 

Police Aide Dispatcher Dawn Stover