Baltimore's Computer Aided Dispatch System

Profile narrative

Baltimore's Computer Aided Dispatch System, also referred to as Baltimore's CAD System, provides the technological foundation for processing emergency and non‑emergency calls within the city. It handles both 911 emergency requests and 311 service inquiries, acting as the central point where call information is received and prioritized. The system automatically determines the nearest appropriate response unit—whether police, fire, or emergency medical services—and transmits the dispatch details to those units. By integrating call intake with unit location data, it aims to reduce response times and improve the efficiency of public safety operations. The CAD platform is used daily by Baltimore’s emergency responders to coordinate field activities and manage incident resources.

The organisation’s headquarters is situated in the United States of America, as indicated in the available profile information. Although specific figures regarding staffing, budget, or geographic coverage are not disclosed in the source material, the system is understood to serve the municipal jurisdiction of Baltimore. Its operational footprint encompasses the city’s emergency communications infrastructure, supporting both routine service requests and crisis situations. The CAD system functions as a critical component of the city’s public safety network, linking call takers, dispatchers, and field personnel. During normal operations, it enables seamless information flow from the moment a call is answered to the arrival of responders on scene.

In March 2018, the CAD system experienced a significant cyberattack that disrupted its automated messaging functions for approximately seventeen hours. The incident forced emergency personnel to revert to manual call processing for both 911 and 311 lines while the breach was contained. Officials isolated the affected server to prevent further spread and later restored automated operations after the manual workaround period. The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the investigation, though no public details were released regarding the attackers or any potential data exposure. This event underscores the system’s importance to urban safety and highlights the need for robust cybersecurity protections in municipal dispatch environments.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.