Atherton to upgrade police dispatch center Atherton to upgrade police dispatch center (March 14, 2001)

David Boyce

Special to the Almanac

The town of Atherton has entered into an agreement with an independent consultant to plan an upgrade to Police Department dispatch center.

The current center is "antiquated," with wires and power cords running everywhere, said Atherton police Lieutenant Glenn Nielsen. There are no comfortable work stations and "you have to go to different rooms to see monitors," he said.

The upgrade, which might cost about $50,000, will result in a "more efficient, more worker-friendly, and more ergonomically sound" dispatch center, said Lt. Nielsen.

The funds are expected to come from a $100,000 state technology grant recently awarded Atherton by the California Law Enforcement Equipment Program.

The new equipment will include tables that can be raised to accommodate a standing work position, a raised subfloor to hide and organize the wiring, and new console furniture, said Lt. Nielsen.

The town has allocated $10,000 and engaged consultant Daniel White to plan the improvements. He has remodeled dispatch centers for other municipalities in the Bay Area.

"I think it's great," said Dispatcher Priscilla O'Shea of the planned improvements. "We really need it."