Published: January 07, 2009 10:02 am      

State police dispatch center in Sellersburg to close

If you call the Indiana State

Police Sellersburg Post, you may find yourself talking to a dispatcher in Versailles.

ISP is moving toward a plan that will reduce the number of dispatch centers from 18 to six regional centers, said Sgt. Jerry Goodin, spokesman for the ISP post in Sellersburg. He says people calling for help will probably not even notice the change.

Troopers in Clark and Floyd counties will be dispatched from Versailles, but the same number of troopers will be patrolling the same area. Goodin said many states have gone to this system without any problems.

State police has moved to 800 MHz radio which allows for better communication between police departments.

“This will actually improve safety,” Goodin said. “This will enable law enforcement to communicate more effectively.”

Goodin said with the new radios, he can talk to any trooper in his or her police cruiser anywhere in the state. He said the new technology has eliminated the need for having a dispatch center at each post.

At least one person will be at the Sellersburg post 24 hours a day. Goodin said callers who want to speak to someone in Sellersburg will be able to leave a message with the dispatcher in Versailles.

Gov. Mitch Daniels, as part of his “2009 Initiatives for Reforming Local Government,” recommended the consolidation of emergency public safety dispatch. His plan also requires that new local communications systems be compatible with the 800 MHz radio system. All of these initiatives are part of the governor’s plan to save money.

Goodin said the transformation may not completely go into effect for another year or two. However, they have already started experimenting with the program. Goodin said Versailles dispatch was taking calls for them Monday morning.

The regional dispatch centers will be located in Lowell, Fort Wayne, Toll Road in South Bend, Bloomington, Indianapolis and Versailles.