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January 7, 2000
Updated 911 systemimproves accuracyState funds911 upgradesBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- Law enforcement officials are pleased with the new, fully functioning emergency 911 addressing system introduced by Brown County a year ago. "It's worked well. Initially, it took some time to get used to," said Brown County Chief Dispatcher Mike Mathiowetz, "It's a transition from the old to the new, but in the long run, it will be to everyone's benefit." T here have been few complaints about the new system. The county is working on fine-tuning the system, and it is becoming increasingly more accurate, said Mathiowetz. In the past two months there has been a drastic reduction in the number of errors for addresses in the system. "It seems like the public is demanding more for public safety," said Mathiowetz. "When there's a crisis, people expect you'll know where they are." The new system worked "flawlessly" on New Year's Day with the transition to the new millennium, according to Mathiowetz. Townships and the Brown County Board are currently considering rural signage for intersections and primary residences. There is still some debate as to which entities will be paying for the signs. "I would like to see them both [intersection and primary signs] put up. Both will only enhance the system," said Mathiowetz. "Many counties are going with both [types of] signs now. Generally speaking, people are not really disputing that the signs are needed -- it's just a matter of financing." Brown County Dispatcher Carl Rolloff has worked with the system for the past year. "It's something new," said Rolloff. "It takes a little getting used to. With the technology available now, we're able to serve the citizens of Brown County better. Signage would be a big plus." The features of the new 911 system include three-way calling and a direct connection to resources such as the Poison Control Center and interpretive services. The new 911 computer software has special built-in features, to respond to calls from people with hearing and speech impairments. The new system also has a "ringback" feature that allows the dispatcher to directly call back to the exact location where the 911 call originated. Another new feature allows it to fax location maps of the county to various emergency response entities such as fire stations, Mathiowetz said. The old emergency system had to be replaced because it relied on route and box numbers that are not considered "locatable addresses." A 911 call now travels approximately 500 miles in two to three seconds before it is transferred to the Brown County emergency dispatch. The State of Minnesota is paying for the new 911 system, with the county receiving an average $3,000 to $3,300 every month to help system operations. The money for this project comes from a 911 surcharge in the state. The money cannot be used to purchase signs, said Mathiowetz. Approximately 30 percent of calls to the system are considered "non-emergency", according to Mathiowetz.
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