PSP H-Burg Dispatch Center Test

[ECHO3]

Yesterday in cooperation with Troop M(Bethlehem), the Harrisburg Dispatch Center ran several "tests" in the VHF mode. Tests included answering telephone calls at the HDC that were made to Troop M and dispatching units. Similar to the NJSP and PTC, PSP units may (?) soon be using a four digit#, e.g. Harriburg 13, for example only, may be something like 3513. The operations were subsequently turned back to Troop M and the "test" was deemed successful.
I do not know the purpose of this "test" as the HDC will not be the the primary dispatch center for Troop M.

 

[Mattsenft]

I thought Bethlehem was Troop M. Nonetheless I believe the PSP communications plan calls for all calltaking and dispatching at a CDC eventually. However I would have thought that the Norristown CDC would have been the closer place to handle Bethlehem. That was just my random thoughts on the subject, I ddn't hear the test so I can't really comment any further on what they actually did.

 

[ctrabs74]

I thought Bethlehem was Troop M. Nonetheless I believe the PSP communications plan calls for all calltaking and dispatching at a CDC eventually. However I would have thought that the Norristown CDC would have been the closer place to handle Bethlehem. That was just my random thoughts on the subject, I ddn't hear the test so I can't really comment any further on what they actually did.

Then again, I would've thought the Chester County stations (Avondale and Embreeville) would also be dispatched out of Norristown CDC, but because they're out of Troop J (Lancaster), they get to be dispatched by Harrisburg CDC. That said, I think Harrisburg was doing a test from its station to Troop M; several months ago, I heard what I thought was communications that said "Philadelphia xx from Harrisburg" so it's still possible that Troop M will be dispatched out of Norristown - just as the Berks County stations (Hamburg and Reading) presently are.

 

[ECHO3]

Troop M is Bethlehem. That was a typo on my part and has been corrected.

 

[ECHO3]

I was told that these tests from the HDC are for back-up purposes should another DC go down.