Upgrading a Small 911 Dispatch Communications Center

Installation No. 27247

“Sustema has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, and a n unwavering commitment to quality in the design, manufacturing, and installation of dispatch consoles for emergency services.”

Captain Cory Almond, Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.

About the Project:

Barrow County Sheriff required a compact yet highly functional upgrade to their 911 dispatch center. With only two dispatch stations, the focus was on maximizing utility within a limited footprint while maintaining durability, ergonomic support, and seamless integration of technology.

The Challenge:

The control room needed to accommodate two dispatch consoles with the following specifications:

• Monitor Configuration: Each station required a row of three 24" monitors. 

• Wall System: A heavy-duty slat wall system was required to support mounted accessories and provide structural integrity. 

• Cable Management: Grommet holes and internal electrical raceways were needed to route power and data efficiently. 

• Task Lighting: Each station required a task light mounted directly to the slat wall that could be precisely adjusted.

• Custom Cabinetry: A small custom cabinet was needed to connect to the worksurface and provide additional workspace and storage. 

• No Height Adjustability: The worksurfaces were fixed-height, but needed to be comfortable and durable for long shifts.

The solution had to be robust, easy to maintain, and tailored to the unique layout of the Sheriff’s control room.

The Solution:

Sustema proposed the FOCUS console system, known for its modularity and strength in mission-critical environments. For Barrow County, the system was customized to include:

• Heavy-Duty Slat Wall System: Thicker panels and reinforced aluminum slats provided mounting support for monitors and accessories, including task lighting. 

• Fixed-Height Worksurfaces: Designed for comfort and durability, with grommet holes for cable routing and urethane edging to reduce strain during long hours. 

• Monitor Mounting: Each console supported a linear array of three 24" monitors, mounted on slat wall brackets to free up desk space and improve sight lines. 

• Integrated Cable Management: Power and data cables were routed through internal electrical raceways, separating data from power cables, in order to prevent electromagnetic interference from the difference in voltages. 

• Task Lighting: Adjustable LED task lights were mounted directly to the slat wall, providing focused illumination which can be adjusted constantly both in position and illumination intensity. 

• Custom Cabinetry: A compact cabinet was installed betweeb the consoles, matching the worksurface finish and providing extra workspace and storage for binders, printers, or personal items. It includes a grommet opening that allows cables to pass through. This allows equipment like a printer to be placed there.

The Result:

Inside the new control room layout at Barrow County Sheriff the two FOCUS consoles are arranged side by side to maximize space. Both consoles and the storage cabinet form a single worksurface for multiple keyboards and documents. By implementing the slat wall system, the workstations remain uncluttered since the monitors and the accessories such as task lights, are mounted on the wall instead of occupying space on the worksurface itself.

The slat wall system not only supports the monitor array and the task light but also serves as the main component for cable management with its electrical raceways and data channels.

The integrated cable management system inside the wall structure ensures that power and data cables are stay protected. But they are easily accessible for maintenance with easy removable panels.

The custom cabinetry expands the workspace and storage capabilities without compromising the compact footprint of the room.

Help Us Design the Next Generation of Control Rooms

Every control room is unique, and so are the needs of the teams who operate them. Whether you're planning a new dispatch centre or considering upgrades to your current setup, your insights matter. Take our quick console survey to share what matters most to you in a mission-critical workspace. Your feedback helps us create smarter, more ergonomic solutions tailored for 911 supervisors and public safety professionals. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about new case studies, product innovations, and design resources that can help you get started on your own project.