PRESS RELEASE
June 1, 2020
From: Sheriff Don Phillips
Approximately one year ago the Wapello County Safety Committee was made aware of faults being discovered in the outdated panic alarm system at the Wapello County Courthouse. The system that was in place had been effective for many years, but was now starting to become faulty as technology is ever increasing. When conducting monthly tests on the system is was discovered that essential components were malfunctioning, ultimately causing the system to be unreliable. In addition to the system being unreliable it was also known that the equipment to sound the panic alarms were positioned in limited places around the courthouse. This was also a concern to the Wapello County Safety Committee.
The Wapello County Safety Committee placed the panic alarm system on the agenda and began seeking input on what avenues would need to be addressed to ensure the proper functioning of the system. They discovered that the old system would require a great financial burden to repair so they inquired with surrounding counties about what system they were utilizing. They discovered a new system called WavePlus from SecureTech Systems was a more effective system and that surrounding counties had found it to be user friendly and reliable.
In May (2020) the Wapello County Board of Supervisors, Wapello County Auditor’s Office, Wapello County IT Department, and the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office collaborated and installed the new and advanced WavePlus system at the courthouse as well as other Wapello County offices. The installation of the new system provided each individual office with the equipment needed to active the alarm from their respected individual offices. In addition to the alarm being quicker to active the alarm now electronically sends the alarm to the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office at a much greater speed; ultimately a quicker response time. When the alarm is activated by a staff member it broadcasts a recorded message over the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office radio frequency signaling trouble. When the recorded message is broadcast all Deputies hear it and immediately know of the alarm and what respected office is in need of assistance.
In doing the research on this project the Wapello County Safety Committee knew the project would come with a heavy financial burden, even though it was needed. A committee member prevented the tax payers from having to burden the whole cost by preparing and applying for a grant to the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation. The Foundation approved of the grant and awarded Wapello County with $10,000 which covered part of the cost of this project. This project would not have came to fruition without the assistance of the Foundation.
In speaking with Wapello County Board of Supervisor Chairperson Brian Morgan, Wapello County Auditor Kelly Spurgeon, and Wapello County Sheriff Don Phillips they expressed their gratitude to the Ottumwa Regional Legacy Foundation for the funding received for this project that they firmly believe will provide a safer environment for courthouse staff, visitors, and Wapello County citizens for many years to come.
