Metro handled more than 800 calls in an 8 hour time period on June 24, 2003; otherwise known as "Tornado Tuesday".
In 1980 the governing board, Minnehaha Metro Communications Commission was formed.
This commission is now known as the Metro Management Council.
The council is made up of five members including the Mayor of Sioux Falls, 2 City Councilmen and 2 County Commissioners.
A Users Committee was also formed to discuss procedures and planning.
The Users Committee consists of the department heads of the public safety agencies we work with, i.e. Sioux Falls Police Chief, Brandon Police Chief, Minnehaha County Sheriff , Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Chief, etc.
Metro History
November 1967, the FCC met with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) to find a means of establishing a universal emergency number that could be implemented quickly.
1968, AT&T announced it would establish the digits 9-1-1 as the emergency code throughout the United States.
February 16, 1968, the first 9-1-1 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama.
Around 1973 9-1-1 was implemented in the Sioux Falls area.
1980, Metro Communications was formed. Prior to that time dispatch was provided by the Sioux Falls Police Department.
1989, legislation passed the proposed $.75 surcharge on telephone lines in South Dakota to fund 9-1-1.
January 1993, E-911 (Enhanced 9-1-1) was implemented in Sioux Falls. Enhanced 9-1-1 allows the dispatcher to see the location and phone number the call is coming from.
2000, Metro Communications achieved the honor of becoming the first Accredited Center of Excellence in South Dakota and the 45th Accredited Center nationwide. This recognition is given by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch. 911 Centers must meet a stringent set of guidelines, policies and protocols to be considered for this status. Accreditation means that our standard of care for Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County is never below 95%.
2003, Metro is re-accredited as a Center of Excellence.
2004, Metro implemented New World CAD system.
2004, Minnehaha County began implementation of the State Radio System. The system allows public safety officials radio communications with each other throughout the state.
October 2005, Metro hosted their first 911 Citizen’s Academy.
November 2005, the phone system in Metro was updated to the CML Emergency Services Inc Sentinel 911. The new system has many features which aid in the dispatch process, the biggest being Phase II capability.
December 2005, the FCC mandated all cellular phones need to be GPS equipped, essentially meaning “Phase II” capable. Phase II allows the dispatcher to obtain the location of a cellular phone within 100 meters of the caller’s location. The ability greatly enhances public safety capabilities as the use of cellular phones continues to grow.
2006, Metro is re-accredited as a Center of Excellence.
2007, Metro is established as a stand-alone agency.
2007, additional call taker positions are planned to accommodate the increasing number of incoming calls within our area.
Please direct any comments or suggestions regarding this web site to the Webmaster
Disclaimer: The Metro Communications Agency is not responsible for the information provided by the linked sites and that all information may not be current.