Regional 911 Center Feasible In Acton, Concord: Study

ACTON, MA — A study focused on the possibility of a regional emergency dispatch center between Acton and Concord found that the project was feasible for both towns.

The study was carried out by the third party Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston. The findings will be presented to the community on Feb. 22 by the Town Managers and Police and Fire Chiefs from both Acton and Concord. The findings will be presented at the Concord Select Board meeting at 5 p.m. on Feb. 22, followed by the Acton Select Board at 7:30 p.m. on the same evening.

Ahead of the presentations, town and public safety leaders have had discussions with Teamsters Local Union No. 25 who represent the Public Safety Dispatchers in each community, in order to ensure their inclusion and input in the process going forward. While concerns related to impacts to employees, operations, and public safety services have been raised, the Union shares the common goal of preserving the excellence of public safety communications services in Acton and Concord.

A potential Regional Emergency Communications Center would be eligible for increased funding from the State 911 Department. If Acton and Concord boards want to continue the process to a regional dispatch center they will have to ask for more funding next month.