SANDY SPRINGS (Nov. 25, 2014) – IXP’s Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority Emergency Communications Center (ChatComm) received accreditation as part of the CALEA Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program on November 22, 2014. ChatComm, staffed and operated by IXP Corporation since September 2009, is the first private sector, outsourced communications center to be accredited by CALEA.
“ChatComm is changing the model for public safety telecom centers,” said Sandy Springs Police Chief Ken DeSimone. “They have set a high bar for service and the accreditation is added recognition of achievement.” CALEA Commissioners, during the final review prior to the vote of the full commission, recognized ChatComm for being “a first of its kind and a model for others in the future”.
“In public safety communications, accreditation from CALEA is a recognized seal of approval, and an important recognition of excellence in the industry. It speaks to the dedication and efforts of our 911 professionals, who work tirelessly to help those in emergency situations,” said Joe Estey, Managing Director of IXP, who oversees ChatComm’s operations.
CALEA’s accreditation program required ChatComm to comply with 218 applicable state-of-the art standards in three basic areas: policy and procedures, administration and operations.
Established in 1979 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the National Sheriffs’ Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum, CALEA is recognized internationally as the key credentialing authority for law enforcement agencies. CALEA awarded its first CALEA Communication Accreditation Award for 9-1-1 candidates in 1999.
ChatComm was formed in 2009 as a joint venture between the cities of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek for the provision of 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services. ChatComm also provides subscriber services for the cities of Dunwoody and Brookhaven. Although not specifically included in the original scope of work for the ChatComm project, IXP did provide for “operating practices and procedures that integrate industry best practices promulgated by organizations such as…..CALEA…..” in their contract.
Two of IXP’s client agencies, Sandy Springs and Johns Creek, have achieved CALEA accreditation on the law enforcement side and will benefit directly in re-accreditation due to ChatComm’s process. As a value proposition, IXP understands that accreditation enhances the credibility and professionalism of their project and will look to bring that same high service level to all of their managed services.