Mission Statement:
To provide efficient and effective public safety call reception and dispatch services for the citizens of Marion and Polk Counties and to ensure user agencies receive the communications support necessary for their successful operation.
Serving Marion and Polk Counties
WVCC is a multi-agency 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Point providing 9-1-1 call receipt and dispatch for police, fire, and medical responders within the Marion and Polk County area. The center was formed in 1991 as a cooperative effort of approximately 18 police and fire agencies in both counties. Centered in downtown Salem, it provides emergency services 24 hours a day.
WVCC is a technologically advanced communications center and one of the first centers in Oregon to provide enhanced 9-1-1. Enhanced 9-1-1 automatically provides the call taker with the caller's locations and telephone number. It is staffed with 56 full time employees. We have 8 call taker positions; 7 dispatch positions and 2 supervisor positions. Each Communications Specialist must successfully complete a rigorous training program and be certified by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
WVCC employees are trained in first aid and CPR and certified by the State as Emergency Medical Dispatchers. With that certification, call takers are able to provide medical instructions while medics are being dispatched and while en-route to their location.
Technical Services Office
The Support Services is responsible for the maintenance of computerized information utilized by a variety of public safety personnel in emergency responses. The work involves coordination with the Enhanced 9-1-1 system, Master Street Address Guide (MSAG), Geographical Information System (GIS) and Computer Aided Dispatch system, analyzing and inputting the effects of annexation, equipment/personnel allocations of emergency responders, changes in street addresses, jurisdictional boundaries, etc..
WVCC Program Goals
Enhanced telephone call and incident handling capabilities through advanced technology and staffing patterns continues to be the foundation of the Willamette Valley Communications Center budget for FY 08-09. WVCC plans to:
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Continue the process of upgrading our modern Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and interfacing into the City/County Geographical Information System (GIS) to enhance our service to citizens and expedite emergency call handling and response times.
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Focus on strengthening our recruitment and training practices to generate and retain a highly skilled workforce with diverse capabilities.
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Increase our focus on Community Policing efforts through involvement in volunteer activities, Public Education Programs, neighborhood association meetings, and the development and use of community resource materials during call processing.
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Continue to increase the technical capabilities of the back-up dispatch facility to enhance our ability to continue operations during disasters and major emergencies.
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Research technological advances and other innovations to enhance our ability to meet the growing needs of our user agencies and their communities.
Public Safety Answering Points
The WVCC is one of three Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in Marion & Polk Counties. Located in Salem, WVCC provides call answering and dispatching for 18 police, fire and emergency medical service providers. Another PSAP is NORCOM, located in Woodburn, providing call taking and dispatch services for four city police agencies: Woodburn, Mt Angel, Silverton and Hubbard, eight (8) rural fire protection districts - Aurora, Drakes Crossing, Hubbard, Mt. Angel, Monitor, St. Paul, Silverton and Woodburn; and two (2) ambulance service providers - St. Paul and Woodburn to include Mt. Angel and Silverton districts. Santiam Canyon Communications is located in Stayton and provides service to 12 agencies including the U.S. Department of Forestry and the Bureau of Land Management.