BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The County's Office of Regional Communications and Technology (ORCAT), responsible for Broward's public safety radio system, computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, and related technology at the E-911 call centers, has implemented yet another enhancement to the E-911 system for residents, businesses, and visitors.  

The Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) is a national service that increases the efficiency and reliability of emergency electronic signals from alarm monitoring companies to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). PSAPs are more commonly known as E-911 call centers.

"Adding this service speeds up the dispatch of alarm calls and reduces the call volume on  call-takers, by skipping the need for call transfers from alarm companies. Our residents and businesses benefit from quicker law enforcement and fire rescue response, no matter how they reach out to us," said Mayor Nan Rich.

"This ASAP-to-PSAP technology eliminates the need for alarm monitoring companies to physically dial into the 911 center to relay alarm information, improving call-taking efficiency, and reducing call processing times and communication errors," said ORCAT Director Tracy Jackson. 

Broward County is now live with many leading alarm companies including ADT, Affiliated, Alert 360, Brinks, Doyle, Dynamark, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring, Protection One, Quick Response, Rapid Response Monitoring (Ring and SimpliSafe), Security Central, Securitas, Tyco, United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint. Additional alarm companies are expected to join in the future. 

"The implementation of ASAP-to-PSAP demonstrates Broward County's continued commitment to public safety," said County Administrator Monica Cepero. "By connecting directly with the Computer Aided Dispatch System, ASAP-to-PSAP frees up Broward's call takers to more quickly answer emergency 911 calls."

The Broward County Regional Consolidated PSAPs answer approximately 10,000 alarm calls per month.

Earlier this year, Broward County completed the rollout of Fastest Unit Response (FUR). FUR improves emergency response times for life-threatening calls, a further testament to the County's commitment to public safety. In a life-or-death situation, E-911 dispatchers now send out the fastest, equipped, capable and available fire rescue vehicle, even if they are from a different municipality or out of the station. ORCAT was recently honored with the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Achievement Award for successfully implementing FUR for emergency fire and medical 911 calls for service.

Broward County funds, designs, and manages the technological infrastructure for E-911. The Broward Sheriff's Office, through an agreement with the County, provides 911 call-takers and dispatchers for emergency response. This regional public safety system services 27 of Broward County's 31 municipalities.

August 19, 2024