In case of any major emergency, the critical information can be dispersed through dispatch systems, radio communications, surveillance cameras, GIS maps, GPS information, weather services, drone video, field reporting, and databases from various agencies. The police can have some data about locations of the officers, while the firefighters can be aware of possible hazards. However, without an integration of the information, it can be difficult for commanders to get a complete picture of the ongoing situation.
Public safety command center can solve this issue by integrating all the relevant communication, monitoring, mapping, and information-sharing functions in one single operational space. Thus, command staff will not have to depend on updates that arrive from different places but will be able to put all available information together in order to get a complete picture of the ongoing situation.
For example, in case of a wildfire, there is a need for the command team to have fire progress, weather information, road closure information, evacuation areas, crew information, and field reports all at once. In the case of a storm or any major public event, the command team may require coordinating traffic information, calls for emergencies, camera information, medical resources, and personnel in different locations. Centralizing such information would cut the need for gathering information from disconnected information systems.
However, the benefit is not merely having all the technology in one place. It involves the need for ensuring that the relevant decision makers get information in an understandable form that they can make decisions upon. An effectively designed public safety command center will aid in communications, situational awareness, resource coordination, and leadership in an ever-changing situation.