The City of Richmond, in partnership with the County of York, Va., recently pioneered the pilot and development of a new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard to enhance the electronic data exchange between alarm monitoring companies and 911 centers. This is the first time that the City of Richmond has pioneered an American National Standard. The standard was subsequently approved by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), and allows alarm companies that monitor burglar, hold-up, fire, and medical alarms to bypass calling 911 centers via telephone to deliver the notice of an alarm signal. Rather, this data will be delivered to the 911 centers electronically, resulting in a two to three minute reduction in processing and response time by police, fire, and emergency medical first responders. This reduced response time will likely increase the speed and efficiency of apprehending criminals, extinguishing fires, and saving lives. “This standard w...

WHO: Mayor Dwight C. Jones Acting CAO Chris Beschler Director of Community Development Rachel Flynn WHAT: A “New Beginning” announcement to increase efficiency and excellence in City Government with communication, cooperation, and collaboration. WHEN: 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2009 WHERE: City Hall Second Floor Large Conference Room 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219 BACKGROUND: In keeping with his pledge to “Stand Up for Efficiency and Excellence,” Mayor Jones announces his fourth “New Beginning” to chart the course for his administration. Contact: Michael Wallace, (804) 646-2772