The Communications Division, often referred to as "dispatch", handles all phone, radio, and referral calls for service for the Police and Fire Departments for the Town of Smyrna, as well as handling all calls for the Utilities Department during off hours times. In 1999, the Smyrna Police Department received over 9900 calls that resulted in a complaint number being assigned; this number being just a fraction of the total number of calls handled by the communications division. In total 110,416 landline and wireless calls.

   When calls are received either through the emergency number (911) or the non-emergency number (615-459-6644), they are evaluated and managed in order of priority. Calls that involve life threatening situations, or are in need of immediate attention are given first priority and are always handled first, dispatching the appropriate emergency personnel to the scene. The Communications Division is assisted by our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, which is part of the IBM AS400 operating system that manages all record and data keeping for the Smyrna Police Department. This database software enhances the safety of our officers and fire fighters by providing them with current and accurate information concerning: wanted or dangerous persons, hazardous situations, premise histories, emergency key holder information, and accurate directions to the location.

   With the assistance of Motorola, Smyrna has recently finished upgrading the telecommunications system to a new, 800 MHz system that allows for a wider range of talk channels, better transmission / reception quality, and the ability to communicate better with all emergency agencies. The Windows NT based operating system allows for a graphical, menu-based program that allows the dispatchers to quickly locate an incoming call, identify the handset, or car-unit that is broadcasting, and be able to better assist the officer. In addition to all of the police and fire channels, the dispatchers can access and communicate with the Rutherford County Sheriff's office, Mutual Aid, and Smyrna Utilities. The software also allows them to patch several channels together to aid in cooperative information sharing in the event of an emergency. 

   The new telecommunications department is operating in our new dispatch center. Using state of the art equipment and technology, we have created a spacious, ergonomic and efficient workplace that gives the dispatchers the best working environment possible. 

   Center is the 3 console workstation featuring 2 separate monitors and PCs. One allows immediate access to the AS/400 computer housing all of the Computer Aided Dispatching software, and records databases. All calls are logged in to the system and are searchable at any time. The Motorola PC gives the dispatchers complete control over all of the radio traffic and monitoring. From here, each broadcast sends an ID signal notifying the dispatcher which officer is sending the transmission. All of the channels are individually accessible, or can be monitored in groups, with settings for each channel separately adjustable. 
Directly in front of the workstation is the 10 ft. rear-projection screen that serves multiple purposes. It allows for one of the workstations to be viewed on the large screen so that all dispatchers can see the information. This is an invaluable tool, not only for training purposes, but also in an emergency situation, as it will give all parties instant information to the call in progress. The screen is also used for our mapping program and can display a graphical view of any location within the Town of Smyrna or State of Tennessee, with a view of surrounding streets and intersections. 
    Just above the projection screen are a bank of video monitors that display the parking lots and surrounding vicinity of the police department. One color monitor is dedicated to viewing both portions of the entrance and lobby to the department. 

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