NWCTPS currently utilizes the Everbridge mass notification system to handle all emergency dispatch text notifications. This system allows data to be passed from our CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system directly to first responders on their personal cell phones or any other text or email capable device. The Everbridge CAD integration is and always has been viewed as a secondary alerting method and should never be relied on by anyone or agency as the primary means of receiving emergency dispatches. The most reliable means of emergency dispatch continues to be voice radio dispatch.
The following FAQs will answer the most common questions about the Dispatch Text Notification System.
NWCTPS has linked its NexGen CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system with the Everbridge mass notification system. Users are added to the system with their preferred contact method (text, email, phone call, app notification) and divided into groups. Each group in the Everbridge system is linked to units in the NexGen CAD system. When linked units are dispatched to calls in NexGen CAD, a message is sent to the Everbridge system that then alerts the users in the associated group.
The Everbridge system works with all major cell carriers. The system also allows users to receive messages from other sources such as email, phone calls, and the Everbridge mobile app. A number of services in our coverage area also utilize third-party notification systems (Spotted Dog, Active 911) and the Everbridge system seamlessly interfaces with these systems and allows for customization in the message content.
NWCTPS does not charge extra for agencies to receive messages from the Everbridge system. NWCTPS is not responsible for cost associated with upgrades in users' or agencies' cellular service contracts or devices in order to accommodate this service.
A major factor in NWCTPS partnering with the Everbridge mass notification system is that Everbridge has partnerd with all the major mobile carriers to handle large volumes of text notifications better than traditional email to text based systems. While Everbridge has shown an average 30 second delivery time, there are mobile carrier factors beyond NWCTPS and Everbridge control, which may cause a brief delay.
The text messages are sent by NWCTPS directly to Everbridge immediately at the time of dispatch and without dispatcher intervention. Once the message has been passed off to Everbridge, we can not track how long it takes for the message to arrive at the receiver's device. We are also unable to confirm if the message actually arrives on the receiver's device.
No, dispatch texting is NOT intended as a replacement for the traditional voice radio dispatch. The radio dispatch will still be the primary and quickest form of notification for emergencies. Dispatch texting is designed as a supplement to tone dispatch and should be considered a secondary notification.
No. The primary goal of improving the overall emergency notification system focuses largely on first-responders who must be notified of an incident wherever they are so they can respond. However, the dispatch texting notification system is not limited solely to this role and is sufficiently flexible to provide notifications for other applications. Currently, NWCTPS utilizes this system to notify field responders and other dispatch centers of hospital diversions as well as street and road closures.
All additions to agencies' distribution groups need to be requested and approved by the organization. At this time, NWCTPS does not accept requests directly from individuals to be added to any group.
No. The entire dispatch texting process is transparent to the dispatcher. As soon as the dispatcher dispatches a unit associated with an Everbridge distribution group, CAD automatically sends the message. Only follow up messages or manual messages require direct dispatcher intervention.
A user is added to the system only once but can be a member of an unlimited number of groups.
Sprint Users: Call 888-211-4727 and ask them to unblock shortcode 89361 and 87844
Verizon Users: Call 800-922-0204 and have Premium SMS block removed
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