Bloomington Police Department transitions to cloud-based dispatch software for enhanced public safety

The Bloomington City Council meeting on June 9, 2025, focused on a significant proposal regarding the city's public safety dispatch system. Darren Wolf, a leader in the dispatch department, presented plans to transition from a traditional software maintenance agreement to a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) model with Tyler Technologies.

Wolf emphasized the importance of the current system, which has been in use since 2005, supporting the 911 dispatch center, police, fire, and emergency medical services. The system processes over 85,000 calls annually, handling both emergency and non-emergency situations. It is integral to the daily operations of public safety, providing real-time information to first responders and tracking various incidents throughout the city.

The proposed shift to a SaaS model aims to alleviate the burden on the city’s Information Technology Department, which has managed the system's infrastructure. By moving to a cloud-hosted environment, the city would benefit from enhanced resiliency, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. Wolf noted that this transition would allow for better disaster recovery and reduce the risk of service disruptions due to cyberattacks, which have become increasingly common.

Council members expressed support for the proposal, with Member Lee raising questions about the potential cost savings associated with the transition. Wolf assured the council that a cost-benefit analysis would be conducted to evaluate the financial implications of moving to the cloud compared to maintaining the current on-premises system.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of modernizing public safety technology to ensure effective and secure operations. The next steps will involve further analysis of the costs and benefits, as well as addressing any additional questions from council members.