(Washington, DC) The E9-1-1 Institute, in conjunction with National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA), the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance ("9IA") and the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, will present the Office of Unified Communications of Washington, DC, with the Outstanding 9-1-1 Program Award as part of the 7th annual “9-1-1 Honors Gala” Union Station.
The Outstanding 9-1-1 Program Award recognizes an innovative and forward looking plan to enhance the future viability of public emergency communications systems. The Office of Unified Communications in Washington, DC demonstrated a record for innovation and high-level performance, including most recently successfully processing a record setting 10,000 calls on the Inauguration Day of President Barack Obama.
The OUC received 1.3 million 911 calls in FY09, with an average speed of answer of one second. In addition, the OUC’s performance remains well above the industry standard that 90% of 911 calls be answered in ten seconds. In fact, in FY09 the OUC answered 96.4% of the District’s 911 calls within 5 seconds and YTD in FY10, the center is trending 98%.
The Office of Unified Communications is responsible for dispatch of the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the public services within Washington, DC. During the inaugural events, the OUC dispatched from both their new state-of-the-art facility and the back-up facility, allowing the city to manage the large volume of incoming calls and handle what is perhaps the most high-profile event anywhere.
“The Office of Unified Communications for the District is a model of advanced technology, highly-trained professionals, and equipped to handle emergency communications for one of the most high-profile communities in the world,” said Gregory L. Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute. “The City and OUC have truly done a remarkable job to build and operate a 9-1-1 call center ready to respond to all emergencies, big and small.”