The North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) has just completed a major upgrade to its computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, giving police access to immediate GPS tracking of calls and swift location of the nearest trooper – even while a caller is driving at highway speeds.
Funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and state legislation endorsed by Governor Roy Cooper, this $11.1 million initiative, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This modernization comes after the NCSHP’s reliance on an outdated CAD system, with parts dating back to the 1970s, necessitating an urgent overhaul. The allocation of $5.4 billion in State Fiscal Recovery Funds from ARPA in 2021 by the North Carolina General Assembly facilitated this and over 200 other projects aimed at enhancing the state’s response capabilities for daily operations and potential future emergencies.
The upgraded CAD system not only allows for precise tracking of 911 calls but also monitors the locations of NCSHP patrol units, enabling telecommunicators to quickly direct the nearest trooper to the scene. This system facilitates real-time information sharing, allowing troopers in the field to access call details on their laptops and ensuring efficient coordination and backup support among units.
“It’s going to improve public safety and trooper safety, and make sure we’re providing the best services possible,” sayed NCSHP Commander Captain Kevin Owens in a press release.
The complete CAD system is now expected to be finished by early next year.