History of the NMCC

Our Communications Center was created in 1993 and at that time included the municipalities of Cornelius and Huntersville.  We were called the Cornelius/Huntersville Communications Center.  Since that time, there have been several changes.  For example, in March 1995 the Communications Center became an Enhanced 911 system.  The Enhanced 911 service enables our citizens to contact the Communications Center directly by dialing 911.  As a result, our citizens and visitors experience a more personal touch, while the assistance they need is given in a more timely fashion.

On March 1, 1999 the Communications Center went on line with a Computer Aided Dispatch system.  This is a system that is fully automated and aids in the taking and dispatching of calls.  It advises the Telecommunicator which officer to send on certain calls, and the mapping component lets the dispatcher know where the call originated.  This system also shows previous calls that may have occurred, what officer responded to the call, and any history related to this particular location or address.  It provides specific information regarding businesses, such as addresses, phone numbers, and contact persons.

In November, 2000, the Cornelius/Huntersville Communications Center entered into a service contract with Davidson College, and on October 11, 2001 the name of the center was officially changed to the North Mecklenburg Communications Center (NMCC).  A year later, the NMCC moved into a new Cornelius Police Department building – an improved facility located directly across the street from the Cornelius Town Hall.  Technology upgrades included a state-of-the-art radio console system, and a new touch style emergency phone system.  The NMCC currently has four fully operational console systems with an ability to expand to six consoles if the need arises in the future.

In August, 2003 the NMCC entered into a contract with the Davidson Police Department, which enabled the Communications Center to provide service to the entire north end of Mecklenburg County.  However, when the City of Charlotte and the Town of Davidson swapped some jurisdictional boundaries, the Davidson Police Department ended their contract the NMCC and began using dispatch services from Charlotte.

North Mecklenburg Communications dispatched a total of 117,003 calls for service for the year 2005, which is a 37% increase from the year before when 85,760 calls were received.  It provides 24/7 service by a least two Telecommunicators, with a third Telecommunicator on duty during peak hours.  Total staffing includes 11 full time Telecommunicators and 4 part time Telecommunicators including a Supervisor and an Associate Supervisor.

We are extremely proud of the Communications Center.  We encourage our citizens to tour this facility.  Tours can be arranged by calling Lt. Mark Cook at the Police Department, 704-892-1363.