Overview: The Peoria Police Department 911 dispatch team is operating at consoles that are “extremely outdated, not ergonomic, and not functional for 24/7 operations.” Peoria, AZ is seeking updated consoles, and a new floorplan that promotes communication and collaboration among its team members. In addition, Peoria intends to supply the dispatchers with a suite of ergonomic adjustment features and work tools to increase health and focus.
Challenge: The current floor plan limits communication between teammates. The console provider will have to be creative when laying out the floorplan. The existing space is limited. The Peoria team is looking for something completely different that better supports communication among the team. They want clear sightlines and better traffic flow.
Solution: Russ Bassett delivers a floorplan and consoles that meet Peoria’s needs. In addition to a layout that makes collaboration easier, each dispatcher is now able to get comfortable and stay focused using multiple points of adjustment.
Creating a Better 911 Dispatch Work Environment
When Brittany Brunet joins the Peoria Police Department as their new 911 Communications Manager, one of the first things she realizes is the dispatch team is operating at consoles that are “extremely outdated, not ergonomic, and not functional for 24/7 operations.” Brunet immediately begins advocating for the equipment her team needs to serve their community to the best of their abilities. Funding is secure and the search for new console furniture is soon underway.
Alongside trusted first-line dispatchers and in consultation with the agency’s IT team, Brunet develops a list of priority features to evaluate when assessing multiple console furniture vendors.
- An open floor plan and space plan that promotes collaboration
- An alternative to the split surface console design
- Consoles designed to support dispatcher health
- Dispatcher controlled lighting, heating and cooling
- A well-designed cable management system
- Built to stand up to 24/7 shift work
When securing an agency asset that will be in use for a decade or more, Brunet shares it is important to get the most bang for the buck and that means selecting console furniture that will “really and truly last.” The Peoria selection committee set out to find the right console furniture and a manufacturer to support their service needs throughout their lifetime of ownership.
Brunet, one of Peoria’s Dispatch Supervisors and other members from IT, radio and more visited several installations in neighboring PSAPs. In addition, another console furniture vendor present solutions to the front-line personnel and Peoria PD leadership.
Russ Bassett consoles come out on top in every way.
Floorplan Promotes Collaboration
It is critical that the Peoria dispatchers can easily interact and work to support each other during their shift. The previous space plan isolated the dispatchers and limited sight lines. To be sure the new furniture supports collaboration, Brunet asks vendors to “provide multiple options; to be creative.”
The Russ Bassett Designers provide numerous options to support Brunet’s goals. The final design is completely different than their previous layout. It makes smarter use of the space – sight lines are open, there is better traffic flow, and the dispatchers can communicate more freely.
Console Features Support Dispatcher Health and Focus
Single Height Adjustable Surface
The existing split surfaces make work harder for the dispatchers. There is never quite enough room for the daily tools of the job. Often, dispatchers are aligning the front and back surface to create a more functional area.
The Peoria police department dispatch selects a single surface console replacement. The single surface gives the dispatchers more room to work and train side-by-side. The surface moves independently of the monitors so they still have the ergonomic adjustments they value. Now, moving from sitting to standing is easier which encourages dispatchers to utilize the height adjustment feature.
Despite the perceived challenge of moving from a split surface to a single surface console, Brunet reports the change is “positive.” Dispatchers see the advantages of having an expansive space for work tools, equipment, and the impact on their posture and comfort. The team is also realizing the positive benefits of the new monitor array. Now, each dispatcher fine tunes the peripheral viewing angle of each monitor then adjusts the height and focal depth of the monitors all at once. There is no more tweaking and re-tweaking the monitors when transitioning from sitting to standing.
Personal Comfort
Brunet shares, “When you’re designing a (police department dispatch) center a lot of things don’t get considered and are a tremendous benefit to the work environment.” For Peoria, heating and cooling, task and ambient lighting and personal storage prove to boost focus and mood.
The dispatchers appreciate the heating and cooling appliances. Each dispatcher can now achieve a temperature that will help them focus on the work at hand. Two desktop fans deliver cool air when the dispatchers need it and two heaters below the surface can be directionally adjusted to warm the torso, toes or both “And the occupancy sensors are a huge plus,” shares Brunet. Knowing that the appliances will automatically shut-off if no movement is detected is a safety and energy-use assurance that the agency values.
Lighting upgrades include individual task lighting at each position and blue ambient light behind the monitors. Dispatchers use both types of lighting to regulate focus and mitigate eye strain. “The blue backlight is especially beneficial to teams working the late shift since they like to keep the room lights low,” says Brunet.
The third major improvement is the addition of personal storage at each dispatch station. Now, dispatchers have room for bags and backpacks, or other personal belongings they want to keep close. “These get used a ton,” shares Brunet.
Improved IT Interface
When evaluating console options, the IT team pays particular attention to the technology integration design of each console. They open doors, remove panels, and examine the way cables transition from one area of the console to another. Russ Bassett consoles are superior across the board. According to feedback received by Burnet, the IT team reports that Russ Bassett “wire management is well thought out and organized.” There is easy access to equipment and cabling from the front and the back of the console. Multiple points of access help reduce disruption to the dispatcher during regular IT maintenance checks.
Peoria Before and After
From crowded and isolated to open visual communication and smooth traffic flow.
Police Department Dispatch Console Furniture that “Takes the Beating”
Visits to PSAPs reveal how consoles wear under the duress of an active 24/7 environment. Close inspection of console demos allows the Peoria team to see materials and construction up close. When evaluating the latest consoles offered by their previous furniture provider, “it is clear that the consoles are not built any better,” shares Brunet. As Peoria evaluates other options, they see similar furniture attributes.
Russ Bassett stands out as different. The deliberate use of steel and wood, quality hardware and console components, and superior construction techniques are visible. Feedback from other agencies confirm their observations. Nothing beats Russ Bassett when it comes to durability. “It takes the beating of a dispatch center,” says Brunet.
Brunet recommends Russ Bassett with enthusiasm. The dispatchers like the way the room is laid out and the changes in the console shape and features is positive. The project was managed well, delivering “to the ‘T’ on promised dates” and “communication was there each step of the way without fail,” shares Brunet. “From preliminary conversation, they delivered. I shared specific project goals and needs, they delivered.” All Russ Bassett teams were collaborative, and the on-site teams were “top-notch,” quiet, respectful and they cleaned up after themselves.
You know you are getting your money’s worth with a positive experience and highly functional consoles that have longevity. I couldn’t praise the company, process, and product more.
Additional Console Furniture Project Resources
- Sample Space Plans
- Finish Options
- Customer Endorsements
- News, Events and Education
- Project Profile – Blue Earth Communications 911