Lincoln, Neb., Officials Unveil New Communications Center

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(TNS) – Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and other officials showed off the city’s new emergency communications center Thursday at the Lincoln Police Department’s northeast team station.

The center was built with just more than $1 million in city and federal funds. It is in the same building as the LPD team station in northeast Lincoln and will provide the emergency dispatch team with upgraded technology and more room to grow.

Gaylor Baird said the center was built to “support our amazing 911 dispatchers who are often the first responders in our community.”

The station and the new communications center cost more than $8 million total. The largest source of funding came from the Police Department’s CARES Act funds, which provided $3.4 million for the construction of the new space.

The building was purchased in August 2021 and the police station became operational in March 2023. Tuesday was the first day the communications center was used.

Previously, the primary communications center was inside the Hall of Justice beneath LPD’s headquarters. Jesica Loos, the emergency communications manager, said that space will continue to be operational and will be kept as a backup.

Loos said the new facility has significantly more space and more natural light from windows. She said they wanted to create an environment that contributes to the team’s well-being.

“We want to make sure we provide a comfortable space that is desirable,” Police Chief Michon Morrow said. “And for them to professionally call this home.”

Due to the larger space, more consoles have been added to the communications center. Before, the 911 center had space for 18 dispatchers at one time; now, that number is 24.

Alex Andersen, an interim technology supervisor, talks Thursday about the latest systems at the city’s new emergency communications center at the Lincoln Police Department’s northeast team station.

Morrow said the number of roles in the communications center will also increase from 51 to 61. The added jobs will include dispatching and leadership roles.

The center will continue to be responsible for serving approximately 900 square miles and roughly 300,000 people.

The center sets a standard for answering any 911 call within 10 seconds. According to previously provided stats, the center was answering 90 percent of their calls within that timeframe. Nebraska has also transitioned to using ESInet, an emergency services provider that is meant to aid in the exchange of data between emergency callers and dispatchers.

On Thursday, Loos said the new center will provide more than just opportunities for innovation.

“This space is more than walls and equipment,” she said. “It’s a testament to our commitment to progress and care.”

While Loos said she can’t speak for everyone about the move, she, for one, is excited about the change.

“Nice to be above ground,” she said.