Fresno Police Department unveils newly remodeled dispatch center

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Deep in the heart of Fresno Police Headquarters some of the busiest dispatchers in the country are hard at work. Each hour they take dozens of calls-- hundreds by day and about million per year.

Amanda Soto has been on the job for 18 years-- she now has new tools to help people on the other side of the line-- including a mapping system. The new system now allows her to instantly lock on to a location of a mobile phone and reducing response times.

"I think it's a lot easier, it has some bugs to be worked out but the mapping system will be very beneficial for everybody."

Other upgrades include an automated system, increasing efficiency and the amount of calls dispatchers can handle. An enhanced call back system will also reduce the risk of losing someone due to a 911 hang-up.

"This gives us the ability to very quickly re-contact that victim, before there was a four keystroke process to do that, now it's simply one click," said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

The center has come a long way from the 60's and even the early 2000's-- there are 34 console built for comfort in a stressful environment-- dispatchers can stand or sit-- there's also personal climate control systems at each desk.

A welcome change-- but even Dyer admits the job will still be difficult.

"I know these dispatchers, they feel personally responsible for the safety and well-being of the citizens and the officers-- with that comes an enormous amount of stress."

There are four spots open at that the new call center-- for info on that, head to City Hall on July 6th around 6:00 p.m.