Dispatch Centers
There has been much discussion on regionalization of dispatch services lately. There are two types of dispatch – there are PSAP centers and dispatch centers.
Vermont reduced the number of PSAP centers from 53 to 8. Maine reduced the number of PSAP centers from 48 to 26 and is proposing to reduce the number further to 17. Massachusetts has 278 PSAP centers and Massachusetts officials are encouraging communities to regionalize their dispatch operations as most PSAP centers also function as the local dispatch service. Connecticut has 107 PSAP centers. Rhode Island and New Hampshire operate a single PSAP center.
Many PSAP centers will transfer a call to a local dispatch center. Many dispatch centers dispatch for multiple agencies and multiple communities. There are approximately 86 local dispatch centers in New Hampshire, approximately 57 local dispatch centers in Maine. approximately 44 local dispatch centers in Vermont, approximately 54 local dispatch centers in Rhode Island with all but one being specific to its community and many communities have one for fire and one for police.
This document lists those dispatch centers, what the formula is they use to charge member towns, and what dispatch services they are capable of providing.