Ventura County, California, is a study in contrasts. From sun-drenched beaches to snow-capped mountain ranges, sprawling urban centers, rugged coastlines and vast national forests, its diverse geography poses persistent challenges for accurately locating deputies in the field.
For officers operating in what Director of Emergency Services Patrick Maynard described as “very remote and difficult to access locations” where traditional address systems fail, precisely pinpointing their whereabouts is not just an operational detail — it’s a lifeline.
Pinpointing presence in remote & unaddressable areas
In Ventura County’s expansive, sparsely populated territories like Lockwood Valley, a remote patrol area spanning an immense 640 square miles, traditional methods often struggled to confirm a deputy’s exact whereabouts. Before CommandCentral Aware, deputies’ precise locations in these areas was typically unknown, Dispatch Supervisor Victoria Izquierdo noted. Now, CommandCentral Aware transforms this reality by visually representing deputies’ precise locations using GPS location from deputies’ SmartConnect-enabled APX NEXT radios, which switch automatically between RF, LTE and deputies’ Starlink in-car WiFi. Even when deputies are in areas defined only by “random forest route numbers”, Supervisor Izquierdo related that dispatchers can instantly “pinpoint the deputy’s location.”
Providing critical oversight for field safety
For dispatchers and command staff, CommandCentral Aware and APX NEXT provides a real-time overview of all deployed units, consolidating location data into a single, comprehensive view for field safety. Crucially, in high-stakes situations where a deputy is unable to communicate their location due to physical exertion, being engaged in a struggle, or environmental noise, CommandCentral Aware provides their precise position. This means dispatchers can send resources and support knowing exactly where help is needed, even without verbal confirmation, as Senior Deputy Bautista highlighted for situations where he might only be able to provide “minimal traffic” like a code meaning “I’m in a fight.”
Directing aid to specialized units in unconventional terrains
The system’s precision is particularly vital for specialized units operating in areas without traditional addresses. Homeless Liaison Units, for example, venture into “river bottoms, dry brush areas” that are very remote areas and places that “we don’t have a close physical address,” said Supervisor Izquierdo.
CommandCentral Aware allows dispatchers to pinpoint their exact location, enabling them to “send resources like fire or additional deputies to the best location possible to access them quickly.” This capability enhances safety for both officers and the vulnerable population they assist.
Fast response to officer distress
In urgent distress situations, CommandCentral Aware provides an immediate and automatic response. If an officer activates their APX NEXT radio’s emergency button, CommandCentral Aware alerts the deputy’s location. The system also triggers a loud audible tone, allowing dispatchers to identify the distressed unit and their precise location in a mere “three to four seconds,” noted Supervisor Izquierdo. This rapid identification is “paramount to their safety,” ensuring help is sent immediately.
Common operating picture for the EOC
During large-scale emergencies like wildfires, CommandCentral Aware functions as the central visualization platform for Ventura County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Director of Emergency Services Patrick Maynard explained that CommandCentral Aware provides “a common operating picture.” The platform allows the EOC to integrate and display a variety of map layers including law enforcement calls for service, fire calls for service, location of vehicles, location of aircraft, fire perimeters and evacuation perimeters. This unified view is instrumental for the EOC to manage fast-moving incidents, allowing them to view both the fire progression and the location of deputies to effectively coordinate resources. CommandCentral Aware also integrates additional sources like license plate recognition (LPR) and live video, which complements the location data for enhanced situational awareness.
“I can say with full confidence that our deputies are safer today.” Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Real-world outcomes: enhanced safety and operational resilience
Ventura County’s deployment of CommandCentral Aware and APX NEXT has fundamentally enhanced officer safety and operational resilience. The ability to quickly locate deputies in every area they patrol ensures consistent visibility, from isolated valleys to dynamic situations. This precise location intelligence, combined with immediate emergency alerts and comprehensive EOC oversight, means deputies are safer, residents receive aid faster and incidents are managed with clarity and coordination. With enhanced situational awareness through CommandCentral Aware, Ventura County’s challenging terrains are transformed into a safer and more manageable operational environment.
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