Earlier this year, Constant Technologies completed work on the installation of a public safety operations center in North Kingstown, RI.
“This install was part of a larger project that we undertook to combine fire and police dispatch into a single Public Safety Communications Center,” says Captain Scott Lessard of the North Kingstown Fire Department. The project posed some unique challenges; combining the two dispatch centers required a unified AV system and furniture that would “allow the dispatchers to monitor and control several installed systems in the room.”
The solution
The audio/visual solution designed and installed by Constant achieved these goals by creating a user-friendly, comprehensive system for each dispatch position. Each operator within the Public Safety Communications Center can control seven different computer/camera systems, two television tuners, and the large video wall that displays and monitors several different sources. All of these systems can be controlled with simply a touch screen and a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Says Lessard: “this went a long way toward organizing our dispatch center that had previously been designed to only hold a single computer for each dispatcher.”
Equipment storage was also a key deliverable for this project. Constant helped the town of North Kingstown create both general storage for the communications division as well as storage for the AV/IT equipment. This included AV equipment racks which were meticulously organized and labeled, as well as storage cabinets within the Communications Center for the dispatchers to keep reference materials, binders, and other office supplies.
In addition to providing additional storage, the console furniture solution provided by Constant also helped modernize the dispatch center. Our solution included motorized sit/stand console desks which created a more ergonomic work environment for the operators.Because operators in dispatch Centers have long shifts with not as much flexibility to leave their workstations, using an adjustable height desk allows some movement and activity to contribute to both health and productivity. “It was great talking to the dispatchers after the installation.” says Heather Conover, Project Manager for the integration. “The flexibility to work sitting or standing was a game changer for those working long hours at a time.”
Constant approaches projects with an eye toward forming long-term partnerships with our clients. At Constant, our goal is not simply to deliver a project but to work on the entire process as valuable partners. “Everyone at Constant Technologies from the sales/design team right down to their installers and programmers were a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process,” says Lessard. Even when the unexpected occurred, we were able to work together to deliver their needs. Says Lessard: “They adjusted well to changes that came up as the project progressed and adapted to new procedures that had to be put into place as the COVID-19 pandemic hit right as the installation process began.”
While Constant Technologies performs installations all over the world, the Public Safety Communications Center project happened to be local to our global headquarters in North Kingstown. It was rewarding for the team to be able to create an impact right in our own backyard. We’re dedicated to providing mission critical solutions to aid public safety efforts nationally as well as globally, but it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to assist those responsible for our local public safety.
About Constant:
Constant Technologies, Inc. provides AV integration for 24/7 video walls and custom operation center furniture. With 30+ years of experience, we can work with sensitive environments in the public and private sectors. Constant designs and installs projects of all scopes and sizes around the world. We also offer long-term service and support. We create solutions with the highest levels of security, aesthetics and functionality in mind.