Windsor’s Police and Fire Services Strengthen Emergency Response with New Shared Dispatch Space

The Windsor Police Service (WPS) and Windsor Fire & Rescue Services (WFRS) are pleased to announce the integration of their dispatch operations into a shared, modernized communications centre. This collaboration enhances operational efficiency, strengthens coordination, and ensures more effective responses to emergencies across the community.

By bringing together staff, equipment, and technology in a single location, police and fire dispatchers can now communicate and coordinate seamlessly, improving situational awareness during critical incidents. The shared centre also supports Windsor’s move to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), Canada’s updated internet-based 9-1-1 system. This national transition is occurring in phases, and as it evolves, residents will benefit from increased reliability and resiliency, and more accurate caller location identification.

"This co-location represents a significant advancement in how emergency services collaborate to keep our community safe," said Karel DeGraaf, Windsor Police Deputy Chief of Operational Support. "The integration of our technologies enhances situational awareness while maintaining the independence of each service."

To support the transition, the Windsor Police Service upgraded workspaces, equipment, and technology systems to securely support a second emergency service on police infrastructure. The improvements allow dispatchers from both agencies to work seamlessly during high-demand events and time-sensitive emergencies.

"These updates will greatly assist fire communications staff as we continue to evolve with the needs of the community," said James Waffle, Chief of Windsor Fire & Rescue Services. "Working side by side with police improves coordination during complex emergencies and strengthens the service we provide to the public." 

Canada currently has 225 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), with only 50 operating on NG9-1-1. Ontario has 100 PSAPs, 26 of which are NG9-1-1 ready, including two in Windsor. The WPS Technology Services NG9-1-1 Team has now transitioned both local PSAPs well ahead of the March 2027 deadline from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Since 2022, the Ontario Government, through the Ministry of the Solicitor General, has invested more than $1.7 million to support the Windsor Police Service’s transition to NG9-1-1. In addition to this funding, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services has also received more than $2.4 million in provincial support to modernize its communications infrastructure and ensure readiness for NG9-1-1. Together, these investments have been critical in advancing the technological capabilities of both services and enhancing emergency response across the community.

"Upgrading Ontario’s public safety communications will be a game changer," said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario. "Next Generation 9-1-1 gives first responders real-time, life-saving information, which means a faster, more effective emergency response. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will always have the backs of those who protect our province. That’s why we are proud to provide funding to Windsor for this new technology, which will mean more calls will be answered, more lives will be saved, and people across the city can count on emergency services when it matters most."

To learn more about Windsor Police Service visit www.WindsorPolice.ca. To learn more about Windsor Fire & Rescue Services, visit www.WindsorFire.com.