CAD Program question; logging calls

[Hockey9019]

Currently at work, we use regular paper and pen to record calls. That causes a HUGE pile of paper every month. I was just curious if they have any programs where you could just type in the call information, the officer(s) you sent to the call, time dispatched and time clear with call codes. Someone mentioned Microsoft Excel but a lot of people wouldn't understand how to use it.

I was wondering if there is a program out there that is fairly easy to use and understand for both computer literate and illiterate.

Basically the format type that I would need to have is this:



Time Dispatched | Time Cleared | Officer | Call Code | Dispatch # | Description


I do all the stats for the department; 2800+ every month. Its killing me to look through all the handwriting and all. Maybe the program can even count up each type of call...?

[MDEMT280]

Uh... well... theoretically... you're creating a simple database... and, uh... theoretically, I know how to build those. The interface would be a bit tricky, though.

Really, Excel shouldn't be that hard. We use it in the fire department for maintaining our station stats, and it's a lot easier than the county-wide computerized piece of bleepity-bleep software that we have to use. Even the firefighters can figure it out okay! :D

But, if you want something else, I'll roll it around in my head for a while.

[MDEMT280]

Oh, yeah, one more thing...

Do you have the budget for any commercial off-the-shelf software, or is this entirely in-house?

[greenlead]

I would use a simple database system, with a web browser interface.

MySQL Database > PHP > Apache web server > Web browser.

[gringoscott]

We use a program called 911 pro. Not sure who makes it, but I'll try to get you that information. It has its flaws, but it beats the heck out of paper and pen, which is what we used to use. The program includes the ability to look up calls by type, officer, location, names, plates, dispatcher, time, date, you name it.

And just to brag a bit, our Contact Management System was designed by a good buddy of mine and is AMAZING for what we use it for. So if you have any desire to look into something like that, he builds and customizes the programs for a number of companies and is always looking for more clients.

[Sierra]

Excel would be, by far, the cheapest and easiest to use. I set up the entry register we use at work off that.

If you have Access, that presents possibilities too. I built the forms we use for our Incident Reports, Activity Reports, After Hours Register, and even my key registry off that.

If you have Access (comes with Office Pro or stand-alone), I can send you a quick database to look at with your required info. Would take all of about 10 minutes to build. I can't do bells and whistles, but I can set up the basic entry format and search parameters. It can be modified later, if desired.

[Hockey9019]

Excel would be, by far, the cheapest and easiest to use. I set up the entry register we use at work off that.

If you have Access, that presents possibilities too. I built the forms we use for our Incident Reports, Activity Reports, After Hours Register, and even my key registry off that.

If you have Access (comes with Office Pro or stand-alone), I can send you a quick database to look at with your required info. Would take all of about 10 minutes to build. I can't do bells and whistles, but I can set up the basic entry format and search parameters. It can be modified later, if desired.

Yeah sure. Thanks

Yeah I've looked at excel and it has its good and bad stuff. I'm not sure exactly how much some of them programs cost but I assume not cheap. But yep. Anyways yeah i'll play around with it for a while

[WhiteLite]

We use a program called COPSCAD (by COPS RMS). I don't know the cost of the software, but it does what you want, and much more. I couldn't imagine having to write paper call cards on every call all the time... We have that in place if the computer crashes, but all the time would kill me. lol.

[MrJim911]

It is unfortunate that not all 911 centers have CAD sytems that would do all that for you... In a perfect world.

[RemyG]

I would use a simple database system, with a web browser interface.

MySQL Database > PHP > Apache web server > Web browser.

Greanlead, you were thinking what I was thinking, mysql database with all the variables, with a simple post, and query view page. :D

Hockey, if you want a simple script, I could try tailoring one to your needs. I already have one implemented on my explorer site to handle all the contact info and additional details for people in the post, pw protected.

[MDEMT280]

MySQL Database > PHP > Apache web server > Web browser.

Yeah, my technical knowledge fizzles out pretty much as soon as you move on to PHP. My experience is more in relational geodatabases, maintained through different software.

[maz]

WOW A dispatch center still handwriting calls down??? We use a program made by QED. I love it, its easy to use and can be fully modified for each department. It records police, fire, ems and can track time dispatch, responding, on location, clear, to hospital, leaving hospital, at station, to station etc. Also it has a portion where you can "time-stamp" important stuff like reg info, 1 in custody, notified duty wrecker etc. This is all kept on a main server computer and can be searched by inciednt, location, date, time, caller info, everything, Great program but pretty expensive

[Sirminnyme]

Cheapest and most effective was is Microsoft Access. I wouldn't use excel because you can loose data and the property's of the sheet that are set can be changed. With Access you create a data base and set specific property's and lock it. Then all you have to do its print your logs when you need them. The only thing Access can be a little difficult to set up if you are not familiar with it.

[Drummadude]

You should find someone who is good at the C coding language. I've never done it before, but my brother has made good games and some programs in just one day.

Does your dispatch center have a limited budget? With pens and paper that signals to me that it's a small, low budget town, but I could be wrong.

Someone could make a computer program, although simple, could do the job.

I think using Access/Excel would get confusing when you're on an important 911 call.

[Hockey9019]

Well I got in contact with QED. Very nice people. Talked with Dave in their sales. He said for the program that they have it is $20,000.00 :eek: and he said its overkill for our type. He did however say he is going to search around and find this Shareware version of a pretty much do the same thing for our specifications.

Just curious but not required, would it be difficult to hook a phone line through the computer so the number is recorded when it comes in?


I'll keep looking :D