First Phase: The Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC)

The July 2001 opening of the Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) was a critical step in advancing the District's emergency communications strategy. Located on McMillan Drive, NW, the PSCC greatly improved 911 service for workers and visitors.

The PSCC provided the following improvements:

• Realized the mayor's vision of improved service
• Leveraged previous reforms that have been made
• Addressed key issues such as outdated technology needs and infrastructure shortcomings
• Improved coordination among police and Fire/EMS communications personnel by co-locating them and having them share the dispatch center

The PSCC now serves as the secondary site for the Office of Unified Communications, the main site for the agency's Radio Shop. 

Second Phase: Formation of OUC

On October 1, 2004, management of the PSCC changed from a joint operation of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) departments to a new District of Columbia government agency: the Office of Unified Communications (OUC). The agency's responsibilities would include all 911 and 311 call-taking, as well as police, fire and medical dispatch.

Third Phase: Opening of the Unified Communications Center (UCC)

While OUC operations were still being conducted at the PSCC, a new facility was already under construction on the east campus of St. Elizabeth's Hospital. The Unified Communications Center (UCC) began operating in September 2006.

• Learn more about the Unified Communications Center (UCC)