The College of St. Scholastica operates in a Public Branch Exchange (PBX)/Multi-Line Telephone System (MLTS), as do most schools, businesses, government agencies, and hotels. These systems are characterized by a central switchboard connected to a number of either on-premise or off-premise extensions. Connection to an out-dial trunk on systems of this type typically require the dialing of an extra digit (such as nine) to reach an outside phone connection. PBX/MLTS usually provide 9-1-1 centers with only the phone number and location of the central switchboard, not necessarily the location from where the call is being placed.
Many facility owners that currently use PBX/MLTS are unaware of the problem. Those that are aware may believe they have little incentive to correct the problem. Therefore, many communities are relying on employee or consumer pressure and legislated mandates from some states to ensure this problem is corrected.
The College of St. Scholastica was nominated by St. Louis County (Minn.) 9-1-1 for recognizing the potential for 9-1-1 to experience difficulty in locating their end users and taking the voluntary initiative to upgrade their phone system, prior to regulation. In addition, St. Louis County 9-1-1 recognized their willingness to participate in research exercises and public education campaigns on this issue.
"The APCO International Board of Officers would like to express their most sincere congratulations to the College of St. Scholastica for winning the 2005 APCO CALLS Award," APCO International President Greg Ballentine said. "It is apparent they have the public's safety in mind and they have demonstrated their desire to protect the residents and visitors of their campus."
The CALLS Award presentation will be made at the Opening Session of the APCO International 71st Annual Conference and Exposition to be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Co., Aug. 21-25.
