Meriden dispatch reports steady 911 workload; building repairs will go to full bid process

Meriden — At the Oct. 23 Public Safety Committee meeting, Meriden emergency communications staff presented the third-quarter 2025 911 and CAD activity and provided updates on staffing and facilities procurement.

The presenter reported 7,005 911 calls in the third quarter, a decrease of 179 calls from the same quarter in 2024, and 11,691 CAD-entered incidents (380 more than 2024). The department reported 13 full-time trained dispatchers, two part-time dispatchers and three full-time trainees; the presenter said the department is authorized for 16 dispatchers and expects to reach zero full-time vacancy within about a week and a half as trainees complete training. A computerized examination and interview process in November will create a 2026 eligibility list that will remain active for one year.

On facilities and infrastructure, staff said the PD2 repeater replacement is planned for the current fiscal year using approved CIP money unless grant funding can be identified; the presenter said finance is seeking grant options prior to expending CIP funds. Regarding the building renovation noted in the report, preliminary numbers from Gordian Group were higher than anticipated, prompting finance to run a formal, six-week full bid process to compare Gordian’s estimates with actual bids. Bids are expected to be evaluated closer to January, with a potential construction start in March 2026.

Councilors asked whether administrative call counts include nonemergency 10-digit lines and whether CAD self-initiated calls can be closed by officers; staff replied that administrative calls are separate from 911 and officers can close CAD incidents they initiate. Councilors also requested a future presentation on speed-camera options, vendor costs and fiscal implications before deciding on implementation.

No formal committee action was taken on procurement or staffing at the meeting; staff committed to returning with follow-up materials.