By SDCN Staff
San Diego County, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is using Versaterm CommunityConnect, a communication platform that sends automated text notifications and follow-up messages to anyone who contacts the Sheriff’s Communications Center.
When someone calls 9-1-1 or reports a crime, they deserve to know what happens next. Too often, they don’t – not because law enforcement agencies don’t care, but because follow-up communication requires time and resources that aren’t always available. Residents who call or report a crime will automatically receive text updates on the status of their call or case.
Versaterm CommunityConnect integrates with the Sheriff’s Office’s existing Computer-Aided Dispatch to trigger timely, personalized messages without requiring additional staff effort.
Only designated call types and dispositions will receive these automated notifications.
Depending on the nature of the call, Versaterm CommunityConnect may send messages including an initial acknowledgement. Within minutes of their call, a reporting party will receive confirmation their call-for-service was created, an event number, a notice that a Sheriff’s unit will respond when available, and a delayed arrival notification
This notification is sent when a call has been holding for 30 minutes, and then every 60 minutes after that, up to three times. A reporting party is informed if their call is still active, Sheriff’s units are delayed due to handling other calls for service, and Call Disposition Notification
The notification is sent ten minutes after a call is cleared using certain dispositions, such as:
Arrest made, Cancelled calls, and Handled with deputy response
Each message will include a link to view the information in Spanish. Recipients may opt out of future notifications at any time by replying STOP.
Call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate threat to life or property, a crime in progress, serious injury, fire or medical emergency. For non-emergency line, call (858-868-3200):
Call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line to report past crimes, request information, make a report or reach a member when there is no emergency.
