The Owen Sound Police Service completed 911 transfer tests this week, finishing a long and difficult process of Next Generation 911 compatibility.

Earlier this year, the Service completed its first test call with Bell Canada. In recent months, the Service has completed a number of milestones allowing for the dispatch centre to be ready to not only receive calls but transfer them to other NG911 partners.

Chief Ambrose said “These enhancements will further improve the safety of the GreyBruce community and all other dispatched partners in a continual improvement process by our communications centre.”

The milestone for NG911 completion makes the Owen Sound Police Service one of only two or three public safety agencies in all of Canada to complete this step. “For the Service to be able to be able to implement this system ahead of large urban centres is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the members of the Owen Sound Police Service. The ability to implement state of the art systems and technology provides a benefit not only to our community but for all communities that we serve.” Ambrose explained.

The Owen Sound Police Service’s Communications Centre currently dispatches for over 20 fire departments and 8 police services serving approximately 300, 000 citizens across Ontario who will benefit from the project completion. Owen Sound Police are the primary answering facility for Grey and Bruce Counties as well as other areas in the province including Cobourg, Port Hope and Dryden.

Further enhancements with call data, photos and video are forthcoming on the service slated to be available to the public early next year to agencies that have completed certification testing.

source: media release, OSPS