Ray County 911 Dispatch Center

The Ray County 911 Dispatch Center in Richmond, MO will replace an existing facility that is deficient in size and functionality and does not comply with modern industry standards. Critically, the current infrastructure lacks the necessary resilience to ensure uninterrupted service during and immediately following natural disasters and severe weather events.

A 2021 facility needs assessment documented deficiencies in overall space, building systems, staff mental/physical health and wellness, operational effectiveness, security, and access control. WSKF Architects completed the facility needs assessment and then was retained to provide full design services. WSKF also provided a cost estimate for construction of the new facility during the design process.

The resulting design totals 12,011 SF that meets industry best design practices and provides the needed facility resiliency. The call floor provides space and functionality for 8 dispatchers plus space for two future consoles. A training room seats 20, and has three training consoles that can go live if needed for a large event. The board room doubles as a full technology-enabled emergency operations center (EOC). Support spaces for dispatch staff includes three bunkrooms sleeping two each, a quiet/lactation room, locker room and break room. Other spaces includes offices, storage and laundry. Also integrated into the facility is approximately 700 SF of space for Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers including office space and evidence storage.

To create a calming and restorative work environment for staff, the call floor has sound absorptive materials for sound control and multiple levels of lighting for user control. Investments in staff health and wellness also include the quiet room, use of natural materials, a calming color palette, and an outdoor patio. The entire facility meets ICC 500 storm-resistance standards for essential facilities. The facility includes redundancy in all of its major systems such as power, hvac, water, and technology.