Public Safety Communications Project Profiles
LA CLEAR HIDTA
Los Angeles County, California
When Brian Rose joins LA CLEAR as Executive Director, he finds the LA CLEAR Watch Center team working from desks that hinder workflow. The desk set-up also lacks ergonomic health and engagement features. With the LA HIDTA’s support, the LA CLEAR task force engages in a center remodel, including an upgrade to modern, operator-centric console furniture.
The Challenge
Since they are changing from conventional office desks to ergonomically adjustable console furniture, Rose and team must become familiar with console furniture manufacturers and the available product. They must also find a vendor that will meet the agency’s functional, aesthetic and budget requirements.
The Solution
After conducting independent research and visiting other public safety agencies and console manufacturers, LA CLEAR chooses Russ Bassett. The Russ Bassett consoles are “better by design,” shares Rose. They are modern, durable and functional.
Overview
19 Positions
7 Flex
Consoles
- Sit-Stand Height Adjustment
- Personal Comfort System
- Task Lighting
- Situational Indicator Lights
- Ambient Lighting
- Up-Lit Etched Glass
- Custom Media Display
Installed In
2020
LA CLEAR Modernizes Task Force Headquarters with Russ Bassett
LA CLEAR is a task force that is an Investigative Support Center and a Deconfliction Center for public- safety-led field operations in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside.
The LA CLEAR team works in shifts, 365/24/7, lending cross-agency support in the areas of real-time deconfliction, special operations support, crime analysis and training.
To better support the varied work, Rose and team are looking for console furniture that delivers in these key areas:
- Expanded Worksurface
- Functional Storage and Accessories
- More Efficient Traffic Flow and Sightlines
“I know there is a better set-up. We need more workspace and a modernized center to help our team do their job more efficiently,” shares Rose.
More Room to Work Increases Efficiency
Rose’s team manages digital and analogue files. Work priorities shift based on the field operations in play. At the old “desks,” staff members sit along a serpentine table. The style and layout of the desk system makes it difficult to easily transition between tasks, especially tasks requiring analogue reporting and paper documentation.
LA CLEAR Before
Work areas are generally overwhelmed with paperwork, work tools/ equipment, and personal belongings. Odd end-run spaces make inefficient use of the limited space.
LA CLEAR After
New console workstations are designed for communications-intensive support and provide room to spread out. Wide, unencumbered surfaces provide ample space for computer and communications equipment and work tools. Now it is easier to keep paper documents organized and tidy between calls.
The addition of personal and files storage at each position helps each operator create and maintain organized and tidy work zones. “The analysts can now stay at their workstation and maintain active calling no matter what type of work they are doing. Previously, they would have to leave the workstation to spread out paperwork” offers Rose. “This furniture helps the crew work more efficiently.”
More Comfort, Increased Safety, Better Focus
Blue Earth was seeking a more efficient, quieter, user-controlled heating and cooling solution. Dispatchers appreciated having cool air, but the old console fans were too noisy to use regularly. The dispatchers also needed localized heating in the cold winter months. However, the old consoles had ineffective radiant heating panels.
The Russ Bassett integrated Comfort Control System gives Blue Earth operators localized forced air heating and cooling from energy-efficient, ultra-quiet appliances. The desktop fans and under-surface heaters power on with a single touch. Both cooling fans can be placed anywhere on the desktop and directional air flow adjustment allows dispatchers to focus cool air where they need it. Both under-surface heaters tilt up or down to focus warm air where it is most beneficial. Both the fans and heaters move with the dispatcher when they change position from sitting to standing. As an additional safety measure, the system has an occupancy sensor that turns off the appliances when no movement is detected at the console; the appliances re-engage when the operator returns.
Ergonomic and Comfort Controls Boost Focus
The LA CLEAR team is grateful to have console furniture designed for 24/7 shift work. A suite of furniture amenities is designed for public safety operators engaged in unpredictable and high-intensity support. LA CLEAR’s consoles include sit-to-stand height adjustment, monitor height and focal depth adjustment, and localized comfort controls. This helps each operator attain and maintain healthy posture and focus. “I will go in and there are always one to two people standing. Everyone is doing it,” shares Rose.
Room Design Improves Communication Flow
The room feels more open and the change in communication flow is noticeable – no small task given multiple columns that dissect the space. The new floor plan makes clever use of the would-be challenge, turning previously wasted space into a useful media display.
We can track people and projects more effectively. In addition, team members can see each other and signal for assistance more effectively. Each member of the crew has more dedicated work area and the room feels more spacious.
LA CLEAR expects to have a home in their renovated space for decades to come. The console furniture gives the team what they need to effectively manage communication among the public safety agencies they support. And, they have room to grow their support capabilities as needed.
“Russ Bassett listened to us,” says Rose. “They provided multiple options and recommendations to support our goals. Our experience with Russ Bassett was excellent.”
LA CLEAR Floorplan
About LA CLEAR
For more than twenty years, LA CLEAR has provided service to the Los Angeles HIDTA, California, and the western United States region. These efforts have been acknowledged by state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, recognizing LA CLEAR as a national model for delivering investigative support along with being a deconfliction watch center. Our analytical products, technical support and specialized training reach thousands of law enforcement professionals throughout the country each year.
Discover more at laclear.org.
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