Cleveland Police Dispatch and Chagrin Valley Dispatch today announced a new technology solution to help keep emergency lines clear of security alarm calls, 96% of which turn out to be false. Home and business security alarm information will be electronically routed straight into dispatchers’ systems through Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), helping dispatchers focus on life-threatening emergencies within Cleveland and its surrounding communities.

Previously, when a security alarm triggered, private monitoring companies had to call 911 and relay the details to dispatchers who then had to manually enter the information – a process that could take up to two minutes per call. Now, that same alarm data is digitally sent into the dispatch center’s Motorola Solutions computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system in seconds, with no phone call required. This both saves time and reduces the risk of errors associated with the transfer of addresses and critical information from alarm company operators to dispatchers.

"Since implementing ASAP, we've processed 14,000 alarm calls digitally and saved our dispatchers 450 hours," said Lisa Rapitis, Deputy Director of Chagrin Valley Dispatch. "Removing these predominantly false alarms from the live call queue allows our dispatchers to concentrate on the calls that matter most and better serve our community members in their times of need."

The automation lightens the dispatcher workload as emergency communication centers face ongoing staffing shortages nationwide. 

"When it comes to neighborhood safety, technology helps us do our jobs faster and more efficiently," said Dan Moore, Bureau of Communications, Cleveland Division of Police. "ASAP puts alarm details directly onto our dispatchers' screens in seconds. By cutting out manual phone calls, our team can better handle high call volumes and process emergency information faster when every second counts."