Computer-Aided Dispatch Software Resources

The operation of today's public safety communications centers is dependent upon information and the ability to manage it. That requirement, in turn, depends heavily upon computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software.

The design, development, purchase and installation of CAD systems can be a complicated endeavor for a medium or large-size public safety agency. It involves not only the installation of computers and the CAD software, but usually connection to a wide variety of other systems: alarm inputs, mobile data systems, time synchronization sources, records management systems, CAD systems of other agencies, and the local, county, state and federal network of criminal justice databases.This page provides a resource for finding information about CAD software, including companies that offer products, explanations of features and systems, and sample documents for the procurement process (RFI and RFP).
I publish a 172-page book that covers all aspects of CAD-- specifying, evaluating, purchasing, installing and training for CAD. It's the only book of its kind in the industry, and gathers together a wealth of experience, reference information, tips and suggestions for making a CAD purchase much easier and effective. Check the Bookstore for the details.

Surprisingly, the latest survey (2003) by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics found that just 33% of all local police departments used computers for dispatching. The percentage is skewed somewhat by very low adoption of computers by agencies under service populations under 10,000. Taking out those agencies, the percentage ranges from 66% to 85%. (survey, pdf)

Common Elements of CAD Software

CAD software can be a relatively simple program to keep a record of incidents handled by a public safety agency, or it can be a complex set of programs and external connections to fully support everything that a public safety comm center does. The complexity of the CAD program is usually dictated by the size of the public safety agency and the number of dispatchers working to support it. Like many things in life, it's easy to be attracted to a Chevy Suburban CAD program when all you need is a Smart Car. Matching your needs to the software's capabilities is sometimes half the project.

Simple CAD programs are often called "calls for service" programs, because they combine the features of a live, on-line, in-use CAD program with the more off-line features of a records management system.

In the early days, CAD systems consisted of mainframe or mini-computers located in a computer room, linked to so-called "dumb" terminals in the comm center showing text-based information. Today's systems use a client-server configuration, with data residing on a central computer, physically as small as a PC, linked to workstations that consist of mid-powered PCs. The arrangement allows central storage and retrieval of data, and redundancy in case one workstation stops working. Today's terminals are 19-inch or larger color models, and the software makes use of color, graphics and symbols to convey information.

Check this graphic animation of the many different types of information that a typical CAD screen displays. Also examine this graphic provided by Motorola that demonstrates that CAD is just one seemingly small piece of a very large criminal justice computer system that reaches all the way to NCIC and other types of agencies.

CAD programs have essential elements or components that support the dispatcher's work:

  • Incident information - This is a database of the incident data, usually obtained from a telephone caller, and including the location (house number and street name, commonplace name, intersection), caller info, and other information gathered by the dispatcher. When the incident is recorded in the database, CAD typically compares the location to previous entries, and then displays an alert if the new incident is related to a existing incident record, based both on the proximity of current incidents, and address matches on previous incidents.
  • E911 interface - The CAD computer is electronically connected to the 911 system, so that the caller's telephone number and address information (ANI/ALI) are displayed on-screen, and automatically transferred to the appropriate fields of the CAD incident entry form.
  • Location verification - Once the incident locations automatically entered from 911 or manually typed in, the CAD software matches it against the geofile created by the agency when the software was first installed. The geofile is a database of standardized locations, including specific house numbers and streets names, commonplace names (Jackson Park), and intersections. The geofile insures that locations are within the jurisdiction, within a valid block number range, and are consistently entered and entered (which assists in later searches). [step-by-step verification explanation]
  • Information files - Once the location has been verified, CAD links the incident to any of its information databases, including previous incidents at that same location, address alerts, free-form text information, telephone numbers, personnel lists, emergency medical dispatch procedures, fire pre-plans, HAZMAT info, suspect hazards, etc.
  • Incident display - Once an incident is entered, CAD can display a list of the pending, current and past incidents, according to the dispatcher's assignment (telephones, radio, Beat 3, fire-police-EMS, special) and preference. Incidents are usually sorted by date, time and priority, but also by location, type of incident or other criteria, to make evaluation of the incidents quicker and easier. (sample priority codes)
  • Unit display - CAD has a database of personnel and field units, which is used to display a list of active units. This database includes the unit ID, assigned personnel, special capabilities (K-9, SWAT, etc.). The database is linked to the incident database, allowing the dispatcher to display unit status: in-service, out-of-service, etc. Using commands or on-screen buttons, the dispatcher can change a unit's status or assign it to incidents.
  • Incident dispatch - With information about incidents and units, the dispatcher can link an incident to one or more field units, which essentially assigns the units to the incident. Most CAD software will provide a recommendation of which units should respond, based on pre-determined tables or a unit's actual location from an AVL sub-sysstem. Based on pre-determined tables, CAD also takes into account the type of incident (high danger, low danger), and type of unit (patrol, supervisor, canine, etc.) when making the recommendation.
  • Timestamping - whenever the dispatcher takes an action (enter a new incident, dispatch a unit, unit arrives on-scene, etc.), the computer records that time and links it to the incident and unit records for later review
  • Special features - Some CAD software is focused on EMS or fire operations, and have standing order or jump crew capabilities.
  • Report generation - to help analyze incident and unit activity, CAD allows production of reports listing all types of information, by ranges of date and time, and sorted by various fields.
  • External links - The CAD computer and software can be linked to other computer systems, including the agency's E911 system (to automatically fill in the caller's name, address and telephone number), local-county-state-federal law enforcement databases (NCIC, warrants, vehicle registration, driver's license, stolen vehicle and property, etc.), master clock synchronization, radio systems (to show last unit that broadcast, or unit that pressed "emergency" button), mobile data, records management, paging, etc.
  • Mapping - Many modern comm centers have installed computer mapping systems to assist them in handling Phase II E911 calls. These mapping systems can also be interfaced with the CAD geofile to display units and incident locations.
  • Maintenance - The software allows the system administrator to create and edit the various support files, and to make data back-ups of the various files.
  • Security - CAD information is generally considered confidential for investigative reasons, for the privacy of victims and witnesses, and in some cases to comply with state laws (juveniles, etc.). The software provides a flexible method of assigning security levels for all the various types of information, the various CAD functions, and all users. This allows an administrator to very specifically assign access permissions to every user, limiting them to just what functions they are allowed to perform, and what information they are allowed to see.

Here is how all of those features and capabilities interact. The major software modules are in green, with sub-modules in yellow, and sub-databases in red. External systems are shown in blue.

Latest CAD News

Several organizations and companies are working to create an interoperability standard for CAD systems, allowing comm centers using different hardware and software to exchange critical information. In 2000 APCO created Project 36 to focus on this issue, and initially focused on the private alarm industry as a partner. Various surveys and field tests were carried out to establish and define the data elements and their formats. The development used a XML model, which is an industry standard that allows great flexibility in data interchange, while also being relatively simple to implement. By 2007 APCO was talking to officials at the NLETS telecom service about carrying CAD interop data, and tests of that method were successful. During 2008 the data standard was finalized and submitted to the ANSI standards agency for approval, which was granted in Jan. 2009. Download (pdf) a copy of the standard here (pdf) and check other links here. In Aug. 2008 the DHS posted a "documentation" of several regional efforts on CAD interchange (pdf).

The 2010 annual conference of the International CAD Consortium will be held May 16-20, 2010 in Portland (Ore) / Vancouver (Wash.).

The University of Southern Mississippi is working to create a full suite of public safety software, including CAD, law enforcement and fire records and mobile, all based on a common standard of features and license-free (yearly maintenance and support fee only). The Magnolia Data Share (MagDS) program is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, and is intended to bring computer assistance to all 350 public safety agencies in the state for little cost.

CAD Software Developers

The large number of CAD providers can leave a potential customer wondering where to start. Therefore, I've developed this list of CAD software companies divided into two "tiers." The list includes companies which have custom-written CAD software for just five to 10 public safety agencies within a small region, and also companies that sell standardized CAD software to hundreds of agencies all across the country--or around the world

The list of Top Tier companies roughly represents those with the most experience, a focus on software (and perhaps only CAD) and not other public safety products, the largest companies, the most number of clients, etc. It does not take into account factors of reliability, quality of software, support staff, or cost--you'll have to evaluate these factors yourself. Please don't neglect the second tier of CAD companies when evaluating CAD systems--they may have just what you need at just the right price.

Besides CAD software, most of these companies also offer associated software, including but mobile data, interfaces to E911 systems and law enforcement databases (state and NCIC), mapping, records management, mug shot management, jail records, property management, etc. Check their Web sites for all the details.

If you are a company that provides CAD software or services and are not listed below, send us an e-mail.

Top Tier CAD Software Companies

EnRoute Emergency Systems

With over 20 years of public safety customer service, industry expertise, and dedication, EnRoute Emergency Systems, an Infor™ company, provides reliable dispatch and records management applications trusted by agencies everywhere. In addition, EnRoute provides solutions for mapping/routing, mobile data computing, and web-based status management, as well as custom interfaces to third-party applications. We are also a proud ProQA certified provider of fire, police, and medical dispatch protocols. (Editor - Their software lineage is seminal: The company was formed in 1996 with the parent company GEAC's purchase of certain assets of OCS Technologies, who acquired it from Bell Atlantic, which in turn had purchased the assets of CAD pioneer EAI in 1992, which itself was founded in 1987. The company name was changed in 2008 from GEAC Public Safety.)
InterAct Public Safety Systems InterAct Public Safety Systems developed the first triple screen super-enhanced E911 system in 1984, which is now an industry standard. Product offerings include solutions for 9-1-1 dispatch centers, law enforcement agencies and state and local government agencies. With a wide array of solutions ranging from Homeland Security to Agency Personnel Management, InterAct is a one-stop shop for any and all public safety and law enforcement needs.  
Intergraph Public Safety Intergraph provides solutions to public safety and security agencies that protect 1 in 12 people around the world. Founded in 1969, Intergraph Corporation empowers governments and businesses around the world to make better, faster operational decisions. The superior software and services of Intergraph provide the ability to quickly receive calls at a dispatch center or detect threats through a variety of security devices, assess the severity of incidents, and respond quickly and efficiently to allocate critical resources. The reliable, integrated applications transform vast amounts of data into intelligent information and promote interoperability to enable multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional cooperation. Intergraph solutions ensure that all personnel share a common operational picture, instills confidence and promotes better decision-making that saves lives and protects property.
Logistic Systems Inc. Logistic Systems, Inc. (LogiSYS) is a privately-held company based in Missoula, MT. It was started in 1987 after recognizing that a GIS (mapping) component in CAD would enhance a Dispatcher's ability to manage calls and unit resources. Today, LogiSYS has grown to include over 200 employees with over 60 clients both very large and small. It's products are available for both UNIX and/or the Windows operating systems.
Morotola The electronics giant markets PremierOne software that covers CAD, mobile data and other applications.
New World Systems Founded in 1981 by Larry Leinweber with public administration software ((general ledger, accounts payable). Now it has 200 employees, is privately-owned and headquartered in Michigan. Other products include courts, public administration, mobile data, police-fire records management, public administration software. Claims 500+ customers in nearly 50 United States and other countries. Software runs on AS/400 or Windows platforms.
Northop-Grumman Corp. The "Grand Daddy" of CAD companies; formerly PRC Public Sector Inc., then a unit of Litton Industries Inc., and now a unit of Northrop Grumman Information Technology. Headquartered in Virginia, it markets the CommandPoint (formerly Altaris) line of CAD, records management, mobile data and other software. Has posted a price list for CAD and records management software(pdf).
Positron Public Safety Systems Offers a full range of fully-integrated dispatching products encompassing C3I – Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence. Software includes Power CAD, mobile data, mapping, AVL, radio and MIS applications for single, consolidated and multi-jurisdictional centers. Has an installed base of 100+ sites ranging from 2 positions to over 80 positions.
Public Safety Systems, Inc. Founded in 1984, PSSI has remained a privately held company throughout its history. PSSI’s corporate president has headed the company since its inception. PSSI has remained strictly a public safety software company and has maintained its headquarters in Maryland for its nearly 20-year history. PSSI provides CAD, RMS and Mobile solutions for Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, & Federal law enforcement/security for over 150 agencies. PSSI’s software provides integrated mapping, Crime Analysis software, Digital Imaging, and interfaces to 3rd party databases and systems such as E-911, TDD, NCIC/State/DMV, etc.
Spillman Technologies, Inc. Spillman Technologies was founded in 1983 by Richard Spillman. The company is privately owned and headquartered in Utah. Spillman Technologies specializes in law enforcement software for CAD, records, jail and mobile and claims over 720 users nationwide.
SunGard Public Sector Inc. Founded in 1981 as HTE, acquired by Sungard Data Systems Inc. in Feb. 2003, who then purchased OSSI Inc. in 2004. Now offers both a Windows-based (OSSI) and IBM-based (HTE) version of CAD, along with a complete line of records and jail management software, mobile computer, in-field reporting and other software.
Tiburon Inc. A company whose employees were present at the creation of CAD in the 1970s; company founded in 1980, purchased PSW3 in 1989; markets in-house CAD software and VAX/VMX product obtained from its purchase of OCS Technologies assets in 1996--the Phoenix Division. It was privately-held until it "merged" or was purchased by security giant CompuDyne in 2001. It continues to operate under the Tiburon brand as a subsidiary of CompuDyne.
TriTech Software Systems TriTech was founded in 1983 as a general software developer, focused exclusively on public safety in 1990. TriTech features two product lines, VisiNet and Imc, which are utilized by more than 1100 agencies worldwide. TriTech provides a complete line of computer-aided dispatch, records, mobile computer, in-field reporting and other software to the entire public safety marketplace (Tier one through Tier three).
VisionAIR Founded in 1989 as Vision Software Inc.; claims 550 nation-wide customers for its VisionCAD and integrated mobile data, records management and mapping products.

Second-Tier CAD Software Companies

The following companies are classified as the second tier of companies marketing CAD software. This does not reflect on their reliability or the quality of their products--they have many satisfied customers all around the country. Many of these companies offer software that links directly to CAD and extends its capabilities, including mobile data, message switch (NCIC, etc.), in-field reporting, and records management. [Feel free to e-mail us with your opinions on our ranking!]

  • 10-8 Systems - formerly PSM Corp.; operates under Windows on IBM gear; claims 500 customers; headquartered in Florida
  • Admit Computer Systems, Inc. - integrates with records management, mobile data, mapping, AVL
  • ADSi - Application Data Systems, Inc. - fully integrated public safety solutions, including mobile data dispatch & field reporting. Same owner since 1981. Now has 100 customer agencies in 17 states.
  • Alert Tracking Systems, Inc. - Designer of an innovative suite of mission critical public safety software solutions (CAD, Law/Fire/EMS RMS, Mobile) that promotes data interoperability and shared resources between multiple public safety agencies.
  • Alpine Software Corp. - CAD software integrates with fire incident reporting and other modules.
  • Archonix Systems - COPS CAD software. Purchased D.M. Data Corp. in Sept. 2003
  • AVeL-Tech - purchased by Ortivus in 2003, now known as Ortivus North America; international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 9-1-1 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
  • Baker Integrated Technologies - software and other integrated dispatch systems. Also see their center design page
  • Bullberry Systems - map-based CAD software using ESRI foundation.
  • Cardinal Tracking Inc. - privately-owned; claims 400 clients; 45 employees; headquartered in Texas
  • Cody Computer Services - founded in 1979, headquartered in Penn., markets CAD, records management and other modules
  • Combix Corp. -markets ENRoute CFS that combines industry-leading hardware, software and network connectivity to support the totality of communications and command/control requirements of today's public and private dispatch centers.
  • Competitive Edge Software Inc. - the Enterprise Dispatch program will provide you with detail-oriented tools to help you track the calls incoming to the dispatch center, precise information regarding these calls, availability of officers, what calls officers are on and what they are doing, a running history of calls, and a slew of other important information. [user manual, pdf] [Contact Keith Michel for a demo]
  • Complete Information Systems Company (CISCO) [screen shots]
  • Computer Information Systems Inc. - Computer Information Systems Inc. (CIS) provides a Windows System that is fully integrated Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), Civil Process System (CPS), Jail Management System (JMS), and Mobile Computer System (MCS).
  • Corona Solutions - You can access your existing CAD data via a secure and encrypted web portal any time, day or night and can query, map and visualize this data in a multitude of ways. Includes trend analysis and automated alerting and reporting capabilities. Product tours, downloads and remote demonstrations available.
  • Creative Microsystems Inc. - An Ohio-based company focused on government software, including The Safety Suite the features CAD, records management, mobile data, mapping and more.
  • CrimeStar
  • Crisys -Founded in 1990, offices in Washingon and Toronto. Offers map-based applications: CAD, records management and mobile data for law enforcement, fire-rescue, EMS. Has 120 customer agencies serving 200 municipalities up to 750,000. Platform independent solutions running under Windows and Linux. Annual users group conference.
  • Cross Current Corp. - Pennsylvania company based in Bucks County, has been building, supporting, and deploying public safety software for 13 years. Among their many public safety products is a 911 CAD dispatch system, ccCAD, which operates throughout the United States and Canada. ccCAD is completely integrated with their mapping, mobile data and browser-based RMS product line.
  • CSI Technology Group - Infoshare is a Web-based CAD and records management, and mugshot system.
  • Cyrun - Formed in 1992 and based in California; also offers records management, in-field reporting and various interfaces
  • DaPro Systems Inc. - founded 1984, 80 law enforcement agency customers, CAD and other modules
  • Data911
  • DataMaxx - Cadence 2020 software, also mobile data applications; headquartered in Florida
  • DataTech911 - markets software that extends functions of CAD software, including real-time analysis, specialized alerting, and bio-alerting.
  • Deccan Intl. - Markets five different graphic map-based applications that use CAD data to analyze current response time performance, consolidation strategy, optimising field performance, station and apparatus location /relocation analysis, automated run card builder and move-up recommendations in real time. Their Web site includes an on-line video demo.
  • Digitech Computer Inc. - medical dispatching and billing software, founded in 1984 and based in New York.
  • DCS Inc. - DCS offers CAD, AVL/Mapping, RMS, JMS applications as well as Silent Dispatch, Field Reporting, Photos in the Car, and On-Line Citizen Reporting. Our NCIC2000 product includes, which is a true client-server product,  includes the 400 + formats and is certified in 25 states.
  • DM Data - founded in 1982 and headquartered in New Jersey. Purchased by Archonix in Sept. 2003
  • E9 Networks LLC - CAD software and fire station alerting solutions New
  • EDS - Electronic Data Systems now uses just their initials; markets the Artemis-brand CAD software
  • End2End Public Safety Systems - 700 installs at campuses, municipals, hospitals, high schools, airports and even the DOD’s submarine-building facility
  • Emergency CallWorx Inc. - Founded in 2007 and based in Alabama.
  • EmergenSys Solutions - Canada-based company with CAD and other apps
  • EmergiTech, Inc. - EmergiTech, Inc. develops and markets public safety software applications. The company's product enables users to collect, report, and analyze intelligence and investigational data; track complaints, criminal charges, citations, and traffic crash reports; track inmate and administrative activities; and collect digital photos. Products include computer aided dispatching, records management for law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, jail management and mobile data. EmergiTech was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
  • EMS Consultants, Ltd. - markets EastTrack Dispatch software; EMS-related CAD, billing, collections, run tracking
  • Enforcer Technology, Inc. - Markets ASP-based suite of applications, including CAD and NCIC interface. [White Paper on buying public safety software - pdf]
  • Enforsys Systems Inc. - CAD, RMS, information sharing and mobile reporting for law enforcement agencies. Based in Whippany (NJ), products are used by more than 100 law enforcement agencies and organizations across the Northeast in department sizes from 4 to 1,400 officers.
  • ET Software - C.O.P.S. software; headquarted in Iowa
  • EZCAD - Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Alabama, offers CAD, mapping, messaging software.
  • FATPOT Technologies - the Industry Leader in CAD–to-CAD Interoperability, tying disparate systems together in a secure, seamless and real-time virtual data sharing network (read-only or bi-directional) across multiple agencies, jurisdictions, and levels of government.
  • FDM Software - Canada-based company founded in 1989. Markets integrated CAD and NFIRS 5.0-compliant records management software.
  • Frequentis USA Inc. - a Maryland company specialized in mission critical communications and information systems, including CAD, GIS, Mobile, AFR, 911voice and Records Management System.
  • GeoConex Corp. - Has developed a comprehensive "Next Generation 911" Ready CAD system, and are in the process of bringing all of the software products into the “Next Generation 911” world. Products include NG911 CAD, GIS Viewer, GIS Editor, Mobile Map Maker, Emergency Notification System, Incident Plotting, AVL/VMS, RMS, JMS, Address Markers, and a Comprehensive Maintenance Program.
  • Global Software - Oklahoma based company that offers CAD and related modules; became subsidiary of Harris Software in Jan. 2009
  • Hitech Systems - CAD since 1985 as part of SafetyNet suite of public safety applications.
  • ID Networks - ID Networks has been serving the law enforcement industry since 1984, headquartered in Ohio. Their CAD software is the newest application in their complete line-up of software for public safety.
  • IDS Applications - Has 14 agency customers, most in the St. Louis (Mo.) metro area.
  • Indico - CAD with integrated mapping, mobile data, interfaces, browser-based RMS; headquartered in Texas
  • Information Management Corp. - both calls-for-service (small agencies) and CAD software (larger agencies)
  • Information Technologies Inc. - headquartered in St. Louis, currenlyt has over 500 agency clients, specializes in CAD, RMS, mobile data, jail and court software, has many interfaces available, including E911, state (NCIC), and NIBRS
  • Institute of Police Technology & Management - non-profit group for law enforcement, offers Call Trak CAD software with free demo
  • Integrated Computers Systems - founded in 1974, based in Texas
  • Intelligent Solutions Inc. - CAPERS - Integrated CAD and Public Safety Software developed by the men and women who use it daily
  • IPC Informationa Systems LLC - Command systems for public safety and government. Purchased Orbacom in Dec. 2004.
  • K&K Management Solutions - Indiana-based
  • Keystone Information Systems, Inc. - separate CAD programs for police and fire-EMS, mobile data, interfaces, RMS; can run on PCs or Mac
  • Larimore Associates, Inc. - serving public safety since 1970
  • Lucent - a division of the giant telecommunications company; software was sold to Publisafe in 2001 [see below]
  • MaSys Corp. - CAD, records under Windows or Stratus computers
  • M3i Systems - CAD and mobile data
  • M&M Micro Systems Inc. -- Tennessee-based company that offers CAD, calls for service, mobile data and records management software
  • Medical Dispatch LLC - Dispatching and logistics software for the ambulance, EMS and medical transportation industry.
  • Mobile Access Software Inc. (MASI) - integrates with records management, mobile data, mapping
  • Mobiletec International Inc. - CAD, records management, in-field and switching software.
  • Moducomm - integrated radio/911/CAD application (818) 764-1333
  • Ortivus North America - international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 911 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
  • PEC Solutions - a "total systems provider" that markets to many industries and fields
  • Pamet Systems, Inc. - incorporated in 1987, markets primarily in 14 eastern states; customers migrating from DEC VMS-based systems to Windows NT
  • ProPhoenix Corp.- A New Jersey-based firm founded in 2004 offering a full suite of software, including CAD. New
  • Plant Equipment, Inc. - also offers "Advanced Call Processing, Conventional Telephone Solutions, Mapping / GIS / CAD / RMS, Information Management Systems and Digital Logging Recording solutions."
  • PoliceSoftware.com - Founded in 2002, specializes in Public Safety SaaS solutions for both county and local law enforcement. Multi-lingual CAD, RMS, MDT, Jail, Civil Process, LPR, Messaging and Scheduling services are available as a monthly subscription and includes features such as UCR reporting and the ability to integrate existing forms.
  • PTS Solutions - founded in 1988, based in Louisiana
  • Publisafe - In Sept. 2001, as Distributed Software Development Inc. (DSD), they purchased the CAD software they had developed, and which was being marketed by Lucent Public Safety Systems. They then took the name Publisafe and debuted a new Web site in May 2002.
  • Q.E.D. - Queues Enforth Deveopment; CAD, records, mapping, mobile data
  • RadioMobile - A division of RF Industries (San Diego), markets IQ CAD 911, along with mobile messaging, AVL and mapping software, and mobile hardware line.
  • Relativity Inc. - Based in Arkansas and founded in 1999; marketing a wide range of public safety software.
  • RAD Software - Since 1993 has been providing e911Pro call-taking and radio dispatch software.
  • Security Information Systems Inc. - markets alarm monitoring, logging and incident handling software
  • Sleuth Software - Based in Albuquerque (NM), and a public safety technology solutions provider since 1984. Offers CAD, mobile data, and other apps developed with Windows .NET  platform, JAVA-based programming, and SQL 2005 Databases, running on clients using Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and some Linux version clients.
  • SmartCop - CAD, records and other modules
  • Smart Public Safety Software -  SMART's CAD system gives you dependable dispatching, comprehensive records management and the ability to generate reports as needed. Everyone can quickly master our programs. No need for specialized computer technicians on staff.
  • Southern Software - Formed in 1988, introduced CAD in 2001, has customers in southeastern states.
  • Sundance Systems Inc. - Sundance Systems Inc. is a leading Ohio based safety service software provider. CAD, RMS, Mobile Data, Jail Management, Booking, E-Tickets and Automatic Vehicle Locator programs are just a few of the Police, Sheriff and Fire Department software systems Sundance provides. Their fully integrated, Windows-based programs are user friendly as well as adaptable to any sized department, from 2 units to 200.
  • Sun Ridge Systems. - marketed as RIMS software; founded in 1982 by Tony Richards, with Version 1.0 installed in the Rocklin, (Calif.) Police Department inFebruary 1985. Now at V11.0
  • Symposium Technologies Inc. - Toronto-based, markets Horizon Event Management Environment software. [White paper on software, screen shots]
  • Swift Justice - A 15 year-old company headquartered in Montana offering CAD, records and other modules.
  • Sweet Computer Services, Inc. - purchased by Ortivus in 2000, now known as Ortivus North America; international company with locations in US, Canada, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Great Britain; software for 9-1-1 call-taking, dispatching, automatic vehicle location, vehicular application, patient vital signs monitoring and data transmission, EMS billing and field data.
  • Terrier Technologies - markets Clerk2 software that includes CAD features, based in Texas
  • Total Computer Group - a privately-held company based in Melville (NY). Total Enforcement is a fully functional, eminently scalable Microsoft .NET solution that offers maximum inoperability with local, county, state, and federal systems providing CAD, Mobile Data and RMS solutions.
  • TracNet - providing CAD and records systems to California law enforcement agencies since 1988.
  • Tyler Technologies – Tyler provides a complete Public Safety and Integrated Justice solution to more than 200 police, sheriff and dispatching agencies. Tyler’s CAD solution delivers intuitive dispatching with real-time mapping, AVL and unit suggestions, “voiceless” dispatch and mobile reporting for quick action and response.
  • U.S.A. Software - markets CadFile 2000; founded in 1989, claims 150 customers in Florida and Georgia
  • The Sysman Group - headquartered in South Africa
  • Versaterm Inc. - CAD for law enforcement and fire-EMS operations
  • Valor Systems, Inc. - Started in 1994 and headquartered in Oak Brook (IL). Valor Systems, a leader in new technologies, offers an Incident Management System consisting of CAD, RMS, and Mobile Data. Valor has installed our public safety system in multiple city, county, state-wide agencies and some of the largest theme parks in the world with CFS ranging between 25 and 2500 per day. All three pieces of the VALOR IMS run on Windows or Mac.
  • Viking Technology Inc. - also records management, in-field reporting, digital imaging, purchased by PEC Solutions, Inc. in Aug. 2000
  • Wayne Enterprises Inc. - founded 1990; offers the Revolution Law Enforcement software line.
  • xwave - a division of Bell, has installed its xwaveCAD product suite at more than 40 sites across Canada and the US. xwaveCAD is a Windows and Oracle-based tri-service, multi-agency and multi-jurisdiction CAD with a rich set of external interfaces that includes comprehensive integrations to multiple Police and Fire RMS solutions. It is designed for very large dispatch centers at the provincial (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and state (Missouri State Highway Patrol) levels, scalable to municipal levels of all sizes.
  • ZOLL Data Systems - offers a full suite of software for fire and EMS agencies, including RescueNet Dispatch.
  • Zuercher Technologies LLC - ledsSuite is a public safety software system that coordinates, automates, and organizes the thousands of tasks performed by public safety professionals each day.

CAD Training Gear

  • Sanders Audio-Visual markets CAD training software that simulates--in every detail--the operation of a CAD program, but which allows easy set-up and use to train entry-level dispatchers.
  • Professional Pride markets EZ CAD simulation software for training entry-level dispatchers.

CAD Mapping

  • 911 Mapping Systems - the mapping software is used in Tiburon's CAD program, and by Intrado's Mapped ALI application.
  • Bradshaw Consulting Services Inc. offers software that integrates with CAD systems and uses powerful GIS tools to map, manage and deploy public safety resources to consistently meet response time requirements while reducing costs.
  • Bulberry Systems - Providing high quality mapping technology for the public safety industry since 1999. Develops mapping software that will decrease emergency response time by providing intuitive and intelligent mapping applications to dispatchers and emergency responders. Also is an ESRI Business Partner.
  • Corona Solutions - Everything needed to provide maps from your CAD data is included in CADmine. No need to purchase or train anyone on the use of a separate desktop mapping application. Full search and query capabilities to map incidents according to user parameters, with the click of a button. Product tours, downloads and remote demonstrations available.
  • Digital Data Technologies, Inc. (DDTI®) --  Specializes in the creation and dissemination of Geographical Information Systems data that aids public safety agencies in the location of wireline and wireless 911 calls. Through the evolution of AccuGlobe®, DDTI's proprietary software platform used by tens of thousands of users in over 170 countries worldwide, DDTI offers a portfolio of extension for use by various public service agencies including Sheriffs' offices, 911 Dispatch Centers, Boards of Election, Auditors/Assessors and more.  Products include 9-1-1 dispatch software, Automatic Vehicle Locator, Data Maintenance and web hosting.
  • ez911 Inc. - Founded in 2005, ez911 is privately owned and was formed to provide local governments and agencies with mapping, addressing and database services necessary for Enhanced 911. Since our formation, ez911 has evolved its product suite to also include Next Generation integrated Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD). In addition, we offer the service of writing, evaluating and selecting PSAP equipment.
  • Geographic Technologies Group - GIS and mapping solutions, including AVL and E911 interfaces with Phase II
  • GeoComm - GeoComm offers GeoLynx 9-1-1 a full-featured, professional-level desktop mapping software package specifically tailored for 9-1-1 emergencies. This program can be integrated with your choice of a third party CAD vendor.
  • The aeronautical company FlyteComm markets the product Surface Logistics that provides a map view of a jurisdiction, along with the location of resources and events.
  • VESTRA Resources Inc. provides GIS and IT services to the Emergency Management industry, including road addressing to improve response time by finding the correct location, systems and geodatabase design, application development, and much more.

Bio-Surveillance Software

  • FirstWatch - Seamlessly integrates with existing public safety data systems (CAD, ProQA, RMS, ePCR, etc.) to provide real-time Early Event Detection, Bio-Surveillance and Situational Awareness tool as well as the ability to monitor and trend Key Performance Indicators in real-time.  In addition to providing local customized analysis, FirstWatch clients can join existing regional Public Safety Alert Networks (PSAN) and securely share information across geo-political boundaries as an early warning tool and a real-time situational awareness resource.  Frequently funded with Local, State and Federal Grant funds, FirstWatch is affordable and fast to deploy.

Messaging

  • DAPage, LLC - Offers a hosted software solution gateway for delivery of incident notification, situational awareness, and staff recall messaging through cellular SMS, POSAG paging, and other wired and wireless technologies.

Other CAD Resources

  • considerations for creating a map-based CAD program for Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
  • IACP functional specifications (pdf) for CAD
  • CAD implementation case studies (pdf) - Altamonte Springs (Fla.) / Golden (Colo.)
  • Urgent Communications - the magazine's product guide with Web links to CAD companies
  • CAD in support of community-oriented policing - pdf
  • See our collection of CAD Requests for Proposals
  • Deccan International markets software to help establish CAD response lists, districts and other tables.
  • This Publisafe Web page lists and explains the major CAD functions.
  • List of CAD incident codes from an actual agency
  • ESRI paper on geospatial CAD features (pdf)
  • This software search site includes a "Police/Fire/EMS" category, with several company listings.
  • A U.S. Department of Justice's COPS program has published a 129-page report (pdf) on "Call Management and Community Policing: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement," which explains call intake strategies (walkup, telephone, Internet, etc.), considerations and implementation.
  • Washington State Patrol Investment Plan to replace its CAD system. (pdf)
  • NLETC "Guide to Applying Information Technology in Law Enforcement" (pdf)
  • Progress report on Tallahassee's 2001 CAD project; good example of issues and solutions (pdf)
  • Interactive tour of CAD by PTS Solutions
  • CAD screens by ID Networks
  • Convergence Communications offers E-sponder special event coordination software
  • Article on 1994 CAD implementation by Boston (Mass. ) Police Department (fee)
  • An Open Source, Web-based CAD is available as a free, download at the Project's Web site.
  • Take an interactive tour of the Lawrence County (Kan.) public safety comm center, showing how they manage five computer screens, including CAD.
  • Motorola has white papers on CAD architecture and user interface.
  • TriTech Software Systems has issued its 46-page guide (pdf) to interoperability among different developer's CAD systems.
  • NENA recommends that public safety agencies use the U.S. Postal Service abbreviations (pdf) for CAD geofiles.
  • APCO has posted the final standard (pdf) for PSAP/CAD-to-private alarm company data exchange.
  • Johnson County (Kan.) CAD interoperability system use agreement (pdf)
  • The Optima Corporation offers real-time decision support software focused on demand, resources, deployment and response times. New

Data Interchange

There has been an on-going project to create data interchange standards for law enforcement applications, including CAD software. In mid-August 2005 the federal Advisory Committee on Law Enforcement IT Standards began work on a draft standard for CAD software. The committee is a partnership between the Integrated Justice Information Systems (IJIS) Institute and the Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC), the latter a consortium of law enforcement associations. The final document will be a set of technical standards for data exchange, using the Global Justice XML Data Model as its basis. The final standard was adopted in Jan. 2009.

  • Standard Functional Specifications for Law Enforcement CAD Systems, developed by the Law Enforcement Information Technology Standards Council (LEITSC)
  • Global Justice Data Model - system for standardizing law enforcement data, of which CAD data is a part
  • Final CAD-alarm interoperability standard (pdf)

RFPs & Purchase Documents

We have a collection of Requests for Proposals (RFP) that have been issued by cities, counties and states for CAD systems over the years.