Why Time Synchronization

Precisely validating 9-1-1 events with legally traceable time

Accurate time is critical for public safety communications centers for time stamping of event records to provide legal evidence of emergency response times in court. Time synchronization automatically keeps all the clocks in a center running exactly on time relative to the worldwide time standard. Synchronizing every system and device eliminates the need for an operator to manually reset internal clocks.

Most manufacturers and system integration companies that provide equipment and service for 9-1-1 applications offer an interface to a Spectracom NetClock master clock. New NetClock time server/master clock synchronize clocks per the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standards for the following types of equipment:

• Voice recorders
• Radio consoles
• Computer-aided dispatch systems
• ANI/ALI controllers
• Display clocks
• LAN networks
• CCTV/security access controls
• Fire alarms

A prime focus of public safety is on the critical response time for life-threatening events such as heart-attacks - in essence suggesting that it is a matter of minutes that determine the fate of victims. Studies have shown when dispatch and other recording systems employ synchronized time, the improved records data has resulted in measurable life saving differences to their communities.

Without time synchronization…

• Different equipment systems display and record different times
• There is no certainty of start/end times for events, tasks, etc
• You are vulnerable to potential litigation

With time synchronization…

• Accurate time is fully automated, eliminating error-prone manual setting.
• You comply with NENA and NFPA
• Your time-based records are legally traceable -even more important now that the Supreme Court has ruled that 9-1-1 recordings are admissible in court as testimony
• You can be assured of time accuracy for event reconstruction
• Interoperability with different devices, systems and operating systems is ensured

Time synchronization in a public safety agency requires the use of a master clock that is traceable to national standards. For reliability, security and reliability, we recommend the use of a Spectracom NetClock GPS Time Server as your master clock to synchronize your network. It is an easy to install and manage network time server that operates behind your firewall for low cost investment protection of your network resources.

Contact us for more information on timing in public safety, and let us know how we can help with the time synchronization deployment in your network.

Join the over 4,000 9-1-1 centers that use Spectracom's NetClock for legally traceable time.

Already have NetClock? Consider an upgrade in order to keep pace with the needs of today's network-centric PSAP, and for NG911 capability.