Processing Records Through the Police Information Retrieval System (PIRS)

Comm ops responsibilities also include records processing through the Police Information Retrieval System (PIRS). Although PIRS is primarily used with Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachments, many smaller municipal police services are now utilizing this system for record processing, retrieving and sharing of information with other agencies. All information reported to the Taber Police Service is entered on PIRS as an occurrence, whether it is a traffic offence, break and enter, criminal, or drug investigation, etc.

Occurrences and all data relevant to that file are entered as quickly as possible so that the information is readily available to any investigation. Comm ops process over 100 occurrences weekly and are responsible for maintaining the filing system for all of these occurrences.

Maintaining Accurate Records with the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)

Comm ops are also responsible for maintaining Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) records. These records include people who have been charged with a criminal code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act offences, outstanding warrant, probation order, stolen or missing vehicles or property, and more. Comm ops also provides information resulting from a member’s query directly to the field using numeric and alphabetic codes.

Using codes not only helps maintain privacy over a public radio, but also restricts the amount of airtime used to report information in a timely manner. Some information transmitted could include drivers license status, registered owner information, and criminal record backgrounds. CPIC is a very important tool in providing safety to the field.

Ensuring National Certification & Proper Training

As 9-1-1 operators, comm ops have been certified with the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMD) and have a very responsible role in the service that they provide. The role of an EMD is very complex as they have the potential to make the difference, literally, between life and death, through proper training and application of the EMD Protocol.

When a 9-1-1 call is received, the EMD will ask a series of questions that are relevant to your emergency. This will enable dispatching of the appropriate response teams quickly. Taber Police Service dispatches Emergency Services including Fire and Ambulance to the Town of Taber, M.D. of Taber, Barnwell, Grassy Lake, Vauxhall, Hays, and Enchant.

These communities can be at ease knowing that a qualified and caring person is ready to answer their call for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.