Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2006

Collin County unveils one of the country’s first Operations, Fusion and Communications Center

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County announced today the launch of the Operations, Fusion and Communications Center (OFCC). The OFCC co-locates the new fusion system, the new emergency operations center (EOC) and the Homeland Security Department with the Sheriff’s Office and the county communications center.

The fusion system is the county’s new enabling tool for protecting the public by expanding information sharing across the county as well as with many regional, state and national partners.

“It greatly enhances the ability of the county to prevent or mitigate intentional, accidental and natural disasters,” says Collin County Judge Ron Harris.

The system is one of the first in the nation that brings together public health, law enforcement, fire and emergency management data for cross-discipline analysis. It is also one of the first systems in the nation to focus on the prevention of terrorism and early detection of public health epidemics.

“It utilizes powerful analysis tools to connect-the-dots to detect pre-incident indicators before large-scale incidents occur,” says Collin County Homeland Security Director Kelley Stone.

The fusion system will also increase the breadth of information available to the emergency operations centers, to operational field personnel and to investigators. For example, emergency operations centers will have access to timely situational analysis.

“Law enforcement officers will have access to national jail data and Texas law enforcement data through the fusion system and the Texas Data Exchange,” says Collin County Sheriff Terry Box. Arson, crime and medical investigators will have online access to cross-disciplinary, cross-jurisdictional data via powerful query tools.

“The new Emergency Operations Center, in conjunction with the fusion system, significantly improves coordination between EOC’s, access to visual information and awareness of resource availability,” says Judge Harris.

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For additional information regarding the Fusion System, please review the Fusion System FAQ.