Hazel Park officials report dispatch upgrades, hydrant painting and caution residents on proper use of 'Okay to Say' tip line

Hazel Park officials said upgrades to emergency services technology and equipment are improving response times and capabilities, and the city manager advised residents on the appropriate use of a state-run anonymous tip line.

Police Chief Walker reported that hydrants are being painted between 8 Mile and 9 Mile (North Chrysler to DeWinder) and praised a recently approved dispatch system that routes incident information directly to emergency vehicles. He said the technology allows controllers and crews to see vehicle locations and that the system has helped in recent responses where ambulance crews were able to identify streets and request police assistance.

The city manager described the "Okay to Say" system as an anonymous reporting tool run through a state police vendor for reporting student safety threats — weapons, immediate threats, or students at risk. He cautioned that the system is not intended for adults to lodge complaints about volunteers or to substitute for administrative complaint channels; nonimmediate tips are routed to school administration. The manager also asked residents to call 911 for immediate threats.

The city manager further noted recent drone pilot training with police and fire personnel and praised staff professionalism and the potential lifesaving uses of the equipment.

Chief Walker and council members said response times have improved since the dispatch upgrade and thanked staff, dispatchers and elected officials for approving the technology.