Mahaska County 911 Communications Achieves PowerPhone Accreditation
Mahaska County 911 Dispatcher Janel Legvold takes a 911 call. (file photo)
A Mahaska County Emergency Management Press Release
Oskaloosa, Iowa – November 11, 2018– Mahaska County 911 Communications, a division of Mahaska County Emergency Management, received notice of accreditation by PowerPhone, a National provider of 911 protocols and training. Accreditation distinguishes this 911 Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) from many other 911 PSAP’s, by providing the highest quality of services to its citizens and responders as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation. Mahaska County 911 Communications is the first PowerPhone accredited 911 Center in the State of Iowa.
Status as an accredited organization means Mahaska County 911 has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of a 911 PSAP. In the conclusion of the PowerPhone audit, they stated the following “The dedication that the leadership at Mahaska County 911 Communications Division has made to constantly improve their operations is admirable. All members of the agency have made the commitment to the process and are in support of the Total Response System. The documentation, observations, and interviews submitted indicate that the agency has a commitment to a quality standard of care. Accreditation is confirmed for Mahaska County 911 Communications Division effective October 1st, 2018 to October 1st, 2020.”
“We believe our citizens and responders deserve the best,” stated Jamey Robinson, Mahaska County EMA/911 Administrator who oversees the Mahaska County 911 Center. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that PowerPhone, an independent, National Recognized organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we as an organization care enough about our County to strive for the highest level of service possible.”
911 PSAP’s that are seeking accreditation by PowerPhone undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by PowerPhone expert surveyors. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its services.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve Mahaska County, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to improve the quality of service we
provide continuously,” said Jamey Robinson, Mahaska EMA/911 Admin.
