Emergency Communications - About Us

Director: Matthew Cain
Phone: EMERGENCY ONLY: 9-1-1
Phone: NON-EMERGENCY: (765) 973-9355
FAX: (765) 973-9468
E-Mail: dispatch@waynecounty.in.gov

❮ ❯

The Wayne County Emergency Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, answering all 911 and non-emergency calls for the citizens of Wayne County, Indiana. Communications personnel are responsible for dispatching police, fire, and emergency medical services for the City of Richmond and rural areas throughout Wayne County. A dedicated team of 23 professionals ensures that residents have rapid access to emergency services, providing critical support during emergencies.

Serving as the county’s central hub for managing and coordinating major incidents, the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is equipped with advanced technology to enhance situational awareness and response efficiency. Dispatchers are surrounded by monitor screens that display real-time data and mapping applications, allowing dispatchers to monitor and manage emergency situations effectively. The PSAP provides full communication capabilities for all police, fire, EMS, city, and county emergency agencies, ensuring seamless coordination during incidents.

Wayne County Emergency Communications operates a state-of-the-art voice and data radio system, delivering crucial information to first responders in the field to help them act quickly and efficiently. The center utilizes Central Square Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, allowing personnel to access stored and live data while connecting to state and federal databases. GPS mapping technology enhances response times by providing precise caller locations from landlines and GPS-enabled devices. Each year, approximately 116,000 calls are processed through the communications center.

To ensure accessibility for all residents, the Indiana Statewide 911 Board provides the PSAP language interpretation services capable of translating over 140 languages, helping dispatchers communicate with callers facing language barriers. The center is also equipped with Teletypewriter (TTY) capabilities, enabling seamless communication with individuals who are hearing impaired. These resources ensure that every call for help is answered efficiently, regardless of language or communication needs.

The center’s six workstations feature high-end radio switching technology, allowing public safety agencies to communicate directly or establish an audio bridge for interagency coordination during critical incidents. Each dispatch position is equipped with six monitor screens, providing an intuitive and responsive interface. Additionally, the center connects to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and state databases, allowing for secure and rapid data sharing across agencies.

Wayne County Emergency Communications remains committed to protecting life and property by operating a world-class public safety communications system. As a progressive and evolving agency, the PSAP continually enhances its technology, training, and coordination efforts to provide exceptional service to the community it serves.