MCI to build and operate privatized enhanced-911 system in Pennsylvania
Under the terms of a $42.8-million contract, SHL, a division of MCI, will develop a privatized enhanced-911 system for North-ampton County, Pennsylvania, as well as build a new dispatch center and manage its operation over the next 10 years. In addition, SHL will employ and manage about 40 staff members and dispatchers–many of whom are employed by the county–to run the system. The county previously had no 911 system. The system is expected to be in service sometime this year.
According to County Executive Gill Brackbill, the private sector was chosen because the county would be able “to avoid a bond issue” and of the “technology refreshment” offered by SHL. He added that the technology would be updated every three or four years. (Source: Law Enforcement News, John Jay College, Oct. 15, 1996.)
