Board approves Chesterton and Porter 9‑1‑1 call‑handling SOP; activation set for April 1

Debbie Gunn, a Porter County communications/911 official, asked the board to approve a standard operating procedure to make Chesterton and Porter call handling operate the same as other towns in the county's dispatch center. Gunn said the change would reduce redundant transfers, improve response time and bring those towns into regulatory alignment with statewide expectations. She described which agencies already dispatch with the county and explained the SOP covers only 9‑1‑1 calls (administrative non‑emergency calls will remain separate).

Commissioners asked about operational integration and timing. The board moved, seconded and approved the SOP and recorded an April 1 activation date for the change. Gunn said she would meet operationally with town staff to ensure a smooth transition and offered to discuss specifics on operational meetings.

Next steps: communications staff will coordinate with Chesterton and Porter to implement the SOP and perform any required training or technical changes before April 1.