Gates board OKs 911 Center merger

The Perquimans and Gates 911 communication centers are now officially merged following action by the Gates Board of Commissioners on March 6.

The Gates board’s agreement to an interlocal agreement for consolidation of the two counties’ 911 centers follows the Perquimans’ board’s agreement on March 4.

The merger was sparked by a severe staffing shortage at the Gates County 911 Center following resignations by all of its full-time certified staff in early February.

Gates County officials initially asked for backup help from the Perquimans 911 Center but quickly switched their request to a merger after it became apparent the Gates center would remain out of compliance with state standards.

When calling 911 in either county, callers are now greeted by a telecommunicator identifying the agency as Perquimans-Gates 911 and asking “What’s the address of the emergency?,” a joint press release from both counties states.

Gates and Perquimans officials said the merger will also result in the following:

• Continued 911 services “provided by highly trained 911 telecommunicators” on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

• Telecommunicators and support staff “committed to providing quality service” in both Gates and Perquimans.

• Text-to-911 service in both counties.

• Use of Rapid SOS, a “redundant data pathway that supports the safety and security of local citizens.”

• Use of Prepared Live, which allows telecommunicators to view live video and images directly from a caller’s device.

• Use of Rapid Deploy, which will be used to “support quality improvement processes” through the use of data analytics.

• After hours administrative services for the sheriff’s offices, departments of social services, magistrates offices and utility departments in both counties. This will include the towns of Hertford, Winfall and Gatesville.

• Expenses for 911 services not paid through the Emergency Telephone System Fund will be shared by the two counties.

• Management of the Consolidated Public Safety Answering Point will be by the 911 Division of Perquimans County Emergency Services.

The release said a “phased transition plan” has been approved that “prioritizes the most crucial services” being implemented first.

The release also notes that the current Perquimans 911 Communications Division Advisory Board will be expanded to include representation from Gates County.