POLICE COMMUNICATIONS SECTION , commanded by a captain, operates a combined police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) radio communications system. The section receives all citizen requests for police, fire and emergency medical service. All police operations are dispatched from this section. Reports of stolen and recovered vehicles and license plates are processed by this section. Dispatchers use computer aided dispatching (CAD) and an enhanced 911 phone system. The unit also coordinates the use of Department telephones (including cellular), pagers and Mobile Data Computers (MDC). The section maintains computer interface with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Ohio Law Enforcement Automated Data Systems (LEADS) and the Regional Crime Information Center (RCIC). The section maintains a voicemail service to all local news media. Police Communications Section provides inter-Department mail service. Notifications for coordinated response to critical incidents are managed by the section. Responsibility for the set-up and staffing of the Emergency Operations Center is also a function of the section.

• Telephone Crime Reporting Unit (TCRU), supervised by a lieutenant, receives and processes minor complaints and offense reports by telephone.

• CAD/RMS Project Unit, commanded by a lieutenant, is responsible for coordinating the Department’s efforts in developing and implementing a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System and Records Management System (RMS).  The project manager will act as the primary liaison between the primary vendor, sub contractors, and other City Departments to see the implementation through on time and within budget.  This position is a temporary position lasting the life of the project, which is expected to be two to three years.

• Information Technology Management Unit, commanded by a lieutenant, assists and supports all levels of the Department in planning, installation and utilization of information technology, crime analysis and mapping.  It is responsible for fulfilling the computer and technology needs of the Police Department, including business computers, networking, application services and related functions.  This unit also coordinates and serves as a focal point for the communications between the Internet worldwide community and the Police Department.  The unit commander represents the Department at information technology related meetings.