Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Dispatch topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Corrales moves 911 service into new regional dispatch center; staff report mapping and technical upgrades
Summary
Council received an update on the village's transition to a new emergency dispatch center following Rio Rancho's separation. Staff said testing is complete, geocoded 911 maps and 'what3words' backup location tools have been added, and the village is continuing interoperability and governance work.
Village staff updated the council on a planned transfer of emergency dispatch operations after Rio Rancho withdrew from a regional contract. The administration described a phased transition completed in late October, with ongoing testing and adjustments to carrier routing.
Administrator Curry said the "divorce" from Rio Rancho provided 18 months to plan and that the village has established a new dispatch facility. "We did the transition. We did testing ... and so far it's working," a staff member said. The new center currently accepts incoming 911 calls; some cellular calls still route through neighboring centers while wireless carriers complete updates.
Staff highlighted mapping and location improvements: a consultant updated geocoded maps for rural addressing, incorporated MRGCD survey data for better triangulation in areas with no standard roadway addresses, and added 'what3words' and GPS coordinate options as backup location methods. "Now when you call 911 somewhere in Sandoval County, we have updated geocoded maps that will triangulate your position," a staff speaker said, noting this reduces historical misrouting in rural stretches.
Councilors and chiefs discussed operational issues: the center has multiple emergency lines and admin numbers, some cell towers still route calls to other centers, and digital voice breaks may occur in a few village pockets. Staff said they will continue governance and operational meetings over the next year to refine policies, staffing and procedures.
Next steps include continued testing, addressing the remaining cellular routing issues with carriers, holding governance and operational meetings to refine procedures, and coordinating field reps (police, fire, EMS) on revised protocols and digital dispatch features.
