Representatives from the City of Bismarck, Burleigh County and the City of Mandan met and signed an agreement consolidating public safety communications services between Bismarck, Burleigh County and Mandan. This agreement will form new governance through the “Central Dakota 9-1-1 Authority,” and establishes the “Central Dakota Communications Center,” (CenCom).

The execution of this agreement culminates a very in-depth process that began in August 2014 examining the pros, cons and technical requirements of consolidating the Morton County Communications Center and the Bismarck/Burleigh Combined Communications Center into one regional center. Bismarck, Burleigh County, and Mandan each approved establishing a single public safety communications center to serve the communities while Morton County has decided to move its services to North Dakota State Radio.

This change will reduce the number of transferred 9-1-1 calls, provide regional service consistency, improve information sharing among agencies and create greater efficiency, while helping to reduce costs over time. The Central Dakota Communications Center will continue to work with Morton County agencies through State Radio.

Center Facts:
- Authorized Staff: (24) Communications Specialists, (4) Communications Supervisors, (1) Administrative Assistant, and (1) Communications Director.
- Minimum entry level pay per year: $40,516
- Requirements: GED, APCO Basic, NAED – Medical & Police, NCIC, CPR & continuing education (CDE)
- 24 x 7 shift coverage
- Eight (8) redundant workstations
- Serving Area: Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County and the southeast portion of McLean County, including the City of Wilton.
- Agencies Served: Law Enforcement, Fire Services, and Emergency Medical Services in Bismarck, Burleigh County and Mandan, as well as related services located within the service area.