Crime & Safety

Wenham's Move to Regional Dispatch is Complete

Emergency responders in Wenham are now being dispatched by the Essex County Regional Emergency Communication Center in Middleton.

The move has been years in the making and Wenham in the second town to "go live" at the new center, which is located next to the Middleton House of Correction and is operated by the Essex County Sherriff's Department.

"So far, we haven't had many issues," said Wenham Police Capt. Jeff Tobey.

More towns are planned to become part of the center later this year, including neighboring Beverly and Topsfield, so only some ofd the dispatchers on board now. Those dispatchers all have previous dispatch experience and are those that "rose to the top," during training, Tobey said.

The move was completed on June 28, meaning what was formerly the Hamilton-Wenham Emergency Center at the Hamilton public safety building handles dispatching for only Hamilton now.

"The system was tested extensively (during the two weeks prior to the move) and we are operational," said Town Administrator Mark Andrews.

Andrews said residents should remember to switch the phone number contact for private alaram companies. Notification was recently sent in a mailing to remind residents to contact their private alarm company and make sure it uses the number that goes to the new dispatch center.

The Wenham public safety non-emergency number is the same - 978-468-4000- and private alarm companies should use this number to connect to the new dispatch center so police and fire crews can respond.


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