Communications Division

The Communications Division is an essential service and support of the Van Alstyne Police Department. Communications is responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls for service. Calls for service are received by way of the Enhanced 9-1-1 System (identifies the physical location and the telephone number of the caller, except in the case of a cellular call), which is transferred from the Grayson County Sheriff's Dispatch or non-emergency reporting system at 903-482-5251.

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System
Van Alstyne Computer Aided Dispatch System assists the radio dispatcher in managing pending calls for service, monitoring status and location of active field personnel, dispatching officers on emergency and non-emergency calls and updating field officer status.

Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) System
All Van Alstyne patrol cars are equipped with the Panasonic Mobile Laptop Computer. These Mobile Data Terminals allow the officer to receive dispatch assignments, monitor calls pending in his or her service area, enter reports from their vehicle, and communicate with other patrol officers.

Mobile Data Terminals also allow officers to instantly access Federal, State, and local databases, which provide them information on wanted persons, missing persons, stolen vehicles, stolen property, and other law enforcement related information and bulletins.