Top 10 Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) Systems: Features, Pros, Cons & Comparison

Top Tools

Posted on February 20, 2026 | by rajeshkumar

Introduction (100–200 words)

A Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is the operational hub that helps 911/public safety communications centers receive calls, triage incidents, dispatch resources, track units, and document outcomes—in real time. In plain English: CAD is the system that turns incoming emergency information into coordinated field response, while maintaining the audit trail that agencies depend on.

CAD matters even more in 2026+ because dispatch centers face higher call volumes, staffing constraints, multi-agency coordination, and growing expectations around data security, interoperability, and resilience. At the same time, modern CAD platforms are adopting cloud/hybrid deployment, mobile-first workflows, and AI-assisted decision support.

Real-world use cases include:

Police, fire, EMS dispatch with unit recommendations and status tracking
Multi-agency mutual aid during major incidents or disasters
NG911-aligned call handling and richer incident data exchange
Proactive resource staging based on demand patterns
Reporting and analytics for staffing, response times, and compliance

Buyers should evaluate:

Core dispatch workflows (call-taking → dispatch → unit status → closure)
Mapping/GIS and AVL support
Mobile workflows for field units
Interoperability (CAD-to-CAD, RMS, NG911, radio/voice, analytics)
Configuration vs customization (how fast you can change workflows)
Security controls (RBAC, audit logs, MFA/SSO)
Reliability, offline/continuity options, and failover
Implementation complexity and vendor support
Data ownership, export, and retention policies
Total cost of ownership (licenses, hosting, interfaces, upgrades)

Best for: 911/PSAP leaders, public safety IT managers, city/county CIOs, emergency communications directors, and systems integrators supporting law enforcement, fire, EMS, and multi-agency operations—from small agencies to large metro regions.

Not ideal for: organizations that don’t dispatch field response (e.g., internal corporate security with simple ticketing needs), very small teams that can operate with lightweight incident management tools, or agencies seeking a “plug-and-play” system with zero configuration and minimal integration work.

Key Trends in Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) Systems for 2026 and Beyond

AI-assisted call triage and narrative support (suggested incident types, structured data capture, summarization) with strong governance to avoid over-reliance.
Cloud and hybrid adoption driven by refresh cycles, resilience goals, and faster upgrade paths—while many agencies still require on-prem controls.
Interoperability-first architectures: more demand for API-driven integrations, CAD-to-CAD exchange, and standardized data models (availability varies by vendor/region).
NG911 adjacency: CAD systems increasingly expected to ingest richer digital context (location precision, supplemental data), even when NG911 components are separate.
Mobile-first dispatch and field workflows: better support for tablets/phones, offline tolerance, and rapid unit updates without radio congestion.
Security maturity expectations rising: stronger RBAC, MFA/SSO, auditability, encryption, segmentation, and continuous monitoring—aligned with CJIS-regulated environments (specific attestations vary).
Operational analytics moving from reporting to decisioning: near-real-time dashboards, workload forecasting, and performance monitoring.
Configuration over customization: agencies want workflow changes without long vendor development cycles, but still need guardrails and change management.
Resilience engineering: improved failover, redundant comms, degraded-mode operation, and continuity plans as non-negotiables.
Procurement shift to outcome-based evaluation: uptime, time-to-dispatch, integration timelines, and support SLAs increasingly prioritized over feature checklists alone.

How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)

Considered market adoption and mindshare in public safety dispatch, including vendors commonly referenced in RFPs and deployments.
Prioritized tools with end-to-end CAD capabilities (call-taking/incident entry, dispatch, unit status, mapping, reporting) rather than adjacent-only products.
Evaluated feature completeness across police/fire/EMS and multi-agency needs, noting where capabilities commonly vary by module.
Looked for reliability and performance signals typical of mission-critical systems (e.g., support for redundancy, operational continuity patterns).
Assessed security posture signals (RBAC, audit logging, MFA/SSO support) while avoiding claims of specific certifications unless publicly confirmed.
Weighted integration ecosystem heavily: GIS, AVL, RMS, mobile, radio/voice, NG911, analytics, and standards-based exchange patterns (availability varies).
Included a mix of enterprise incumbents and cloud-forward platforms to reflect 2026 buying considerations.
Considered customer fit across segments (small agencies, counties, statewide, large metros) rather than selecting only one tier.

Top 10 Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) Systems Tools

#1 — Motorola Solutions PremierOne CAD

Short description (2–3 lines): A widely used enterprise CAD platform for law enforcement and public safety organizations needing robust dispatch workflows, large-scale operations support, and extensive integration capabilities (implementation varies by agency).

Key Features

End-to-end incident management for high-volume dispatch environments
Configurable unit recommendations, status workflows, and event handling
Mapping/GIS visualization and location-based dispatch support (varies by implementation)
Multi-agency coordination features (availability varies by configuration/modules)
Reporting and operational analytics for response metrics and workload tracking
Interface options for integrations with records, mobile, and other systems (varies)

Pros

Strong fit for complex, high-scale dispatch operations
Deep ecosystem potential for large agencies with many integrations
Typically positioned for mission-critical reliability expectations

Cons

Implementation can be complex and resource-intensive
Total cost of ownership can be higher in enterprise deployments
Some flexibility may require professional services rather than self-serve changes

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (commonly expected: RBAC, audit logs, encryption, MFA/SSO options; details vary by deployment)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Often deployed in environments requiring many interfaces (RMS, mobile, GIS, radio/voice, analytics). Integration methods and availability vary by agency architecture and purchased modules.

GIS/mapping platforms (commonly Esri-based in the market; exact support varies)
RMS and case/records systems
AVL/unit location and telematics
Radio/voice dispatch consoles and logging
CAD-to-CAD and mutual aid data exchange (availability varies)
APIs/enterprise integration tooling (varies / not publicly stated)

Support & Community

Vendor-led implementation and support with tiered support offerings; community is primarily customer-to-customer rather than open community. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#2 — Hexagon OnCall Dispatch

Short description (2–3 lines): A CAD solution oriented toward public safety agencies that need configurable dispatch workflows, multi-agency coordination, and integration-friendly architecture across police, fire, and EMS (modules and deployment vary).

Key Features

Configurable call-taking and dispatch workflows across disciplines
Mapping/GIS-driven incident visualization (implementation dependent)
Multi-agency dispatch coordination and resource management features
Flexible event types, unit recommendations, and status management
Analytics and reporting for operational oversight
Integration capability for adjacent Hexagon public safety modules (varies)

Pros

Strong fit for agencies seeking configurable workflows
Often positioned for multi-jurisdiction environments
Broad portfolio alignment can reduce vendor sprawl (when adopted)

Cons

Complexity may increase with large integration programs
Feature depth can vary by modules and agency configuration
Procurement and rollout timelines can be significant for larger deployments

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (security capabilities depend on deployment; typically includes access controls and auditability)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Common integration themes include GIS, RMS, mobile, and regional interoperability. Exact connectors, APIs, and standards support vary by implementation.

GIS and address/location validation systems
RMS, jail/corrections, and investigations systems (varies)
AVL and unit status feeds
Radio/voice infrastructure and logging recorders
Analytics/BI tools (export/feeds; varies)
CAD-to-CAD exchange for mutual aid (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor-supported deployments with professional services and support tiers. Documentation and onboarding are typically delivered through vendor channels. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#3 — Tyler Technologies New World CAD

Short description (2–3 lines): A CAD platform commonly used by local governments and public safety agencies, often paired with broader public sector technology stacks, supporting dispatch operations and integration with related systems (varies by jurisdiction).

Key Features

Core call-taking and dispatch workflow management
Unit status tracking and incident lifecycle documentation
Mapping/GIS and address/location support (varies)
Reporting for response-time and operational KPIs
Integration alignment with broader public sector systems (varies)
Configurability for local policy and procedure workflows (varies)

Pros

Good fit for municipalities standardizing across multiple public sector systems
Established presence in local government procurement environments
Can support multi-department coordination within a jurisdiction

Cons

Modernization pace and UI expectations vary by product version and deployment
Integrations may require scoped interface projects
Larger rollouts can require significant change management

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (commonly expected: RBAC, audit logs, encryption; details vary by deployment)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Often integrated into city/county ecosystems with shared GIS, identity, and reporting. Specific interfaces vary by agency.

GIS systems and addressing/validation tools
RMS and related justice/public safety applications
Mobile dispatch/field reporting tools (varies)
Data exports to BI/reporting platforms
Interfaces to radio/voice systems (varies)
APIs/ETL via integration projects (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor support and implementation services are typical; community is primarily customer-based. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#4 — CentralSquare OneSolution CAD

Short description (2–3 lines): A CAD offering oriented toward public safety agencies that want a unified operational platform for dispatch and related public safety modules, with options varying by agency size and legacy environment.

Key Features

Dispatch workflows for police/fire/EMS use cases (varies by configuration)
Unit status, incident history, and event management
Mapping/GIS support and location-aware dispatch (implementation dependent)
Reporting and operational dashboards (varies)
Alignment with broader CentralSquare public safety suite options (varies)
Configuration to reflect local SOPs and response models (varies)

Pros

Broad suite approach can reduce integration burden when standardized
Commonly used by agencies migrating from older public safety systems
Can be a practical fit for county or regional standardization initiatives

Cons

User experience and modernization may vary across product lines/versions
Suite consolidation can increase vendor dependency
Integration to non-suite tools may still require custom interface work

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (security features depend on deployment and hosting model)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Integrations commonly include RMS, GIS, mobile, and regional interfaces; exact capabilities vary widely by agency architecture.

GIS systems and map layers
RMS and records workflows (varies)
Jail/corrections interfaces (varies)
Mobile solutions for field units (varies)
CAD-to-CAD interfaces for mutual aid (varies)
Data exports for analytics and reporting

Support & Community

Vendor-led support with implementation partners in some regions. Documentation and training vary by contract. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#5 — Spillman Flex CAD (Motorola Solutions)

Short description (2–3 lines): A CAD system often seen in small-to-mid agencies and county environments that need dependable dispatch operations and practical configurability, frequently paired with related public safety modules.

Key Features

Core incident entry, dispatch, and unit status tracking
Practical workflow configuration for local procedures (varies)
Mapping/GIS support (implementation dependent)
Reporting for incident volumes and response metrics
Mobile and field workflow integrations (varies)
Interfaces to RMS and adjacent public safety systems (varies)

Pros

Often a strong fit for smaller agencies needing mature CAD fundamentals
Operationally focused feature set without excessive complexity
Established footprint in many county-level deployments

Cons

UI/modern cloud expectations may depend on version and deployment approach
Integrations can still be a project (especially with non-suite tools)
Advanced analytics/AI capabilities may require additional components

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (commonly expected: RBAC and audit logging; details vary by deployment)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Typical ecosystems include RMS, GIS, radio, and mobile. Availability of specific connectors varies by implementation.

RMS and records modules
GIS mapping and addressing data
AVL and unit location feeds
Radio/voice console environments (varies)
Data exchange with neighboring agencies (varies)
Interfaces via vendor services (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor support with training and professional services is typical; peer community exists but is not open-source style. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#6 — Mark43 CAD

Short description (2–3 lines): A cloud-forward CAD platform designed for modern dispatch operations and faster iteration, often appealing to agencies seeking updated UX and more software-native deployment and integration patterns.

Key Features

Modern, workflow-oriented dispatch interface for call-taking and unit management
Configurable incident types, response plans, and unit status flows (varies)
Real-time collaboration features for dispatch teams (varies)
Data and reporting capabilities oriented toward operational visibility
API-oriented integration approach (availability varies by contract and rollout)
Cloud-centric operations and upgrade cadence (details vary)

Pros

Often a strong fit for agencies prioritizing modern UX and iteration speed
Cloud approach can simplify upgrades and infrastructure management (where permitted)
API-first posture can help integration programs (depending on scope)

Cons

Not every agency can adopt cloud-first due to policy or regulatory constraints
Migration from legacy CAD can be complex regardless of vendor
Feature parity expectations must be validated for specialized workflows

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (validate SSO/MFA, encryption, audit logs, and hosting controls during procurement)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Integrations typically focus on RMS, GIS, mobile, identity, and regional data exchange. Confirm availability and costs per interface.

REST/API-based integrations (varies)
GIS and geocoding/address validation (varies)
RMS and records workflows (varies)
Mobile applications and unit status updates (varies)
Analytics/BI exports (varies)
CAD-to-CAD exchange (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor-led onboarding and support; documentation quality varies by program. Community is primarily customer and partner-based. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#7 — RapidDeploy Radius (Dispatch / CAD Platform)

Short description (2–3 lines): A cloud-native dispatch and operations platform often associated with modern 911 data handling and mapping-centric workflows, typically adopted by agencies seeking rapid deployment and cloud scalability (scope varies).

Key Features

Mapping-forward operational interface for incidents and unit activity
Cloud-native architecture suited for rapid scaling (implementation dependent)
Real-time data sharing and operational visibility (varies)
Workflow tooling to support dispatch operations (varies by agency use case)
Integration support for 911 data sources and downstream systems (varies)
Continuous delivery-style improvements typical of SaaS models (varies)

Pros

Attractive for agencies prioritizing cloud-native delivery and speed
Strong fit where mapping and data visualization are central
Can complement broader public safety ecosystems through integrations

Cons

Agencies must validate full CAD depth for their specific SOPs and edge cases
Integration scope can expand quickly (time/cost) in complex environments
Cloud adoption may be constrained by local policy and procurement

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (confirm identity controls, encryption, audit logs, and hosting governance during evaluation)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Often positioned to connect incoming 911/context data with dispatch operations and downstream systems. Integration details are highly implementation-specific.

GIS and geospatial data sources
Interfaces to CAD/RMS ecosystems (varies)
Unit location/AVL feeds (varies)
Analytics and data export pipelines (varies)
Identity provider integrations (SSO; varies)
Regional data sharing (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor-driven onboarding and support with an emphasis on implementation outcomes. Community presence varies / Not publicly stated.

#8 — Versaterm CAD

Short description (2–3 lines): A CAD solution used by public safety agencies seeking a mature dispatch platform, often aligned with larger justice/public safety portfolios and regional interoperability needs (varies by region and deployment).

Key Features

Core call-taking/dispatch and unit status management
Configurable response plans and event workflows (varies)
Mapping/GIS support (implementation dependent)
Reporting and operational performance monitoring (varies)
Integration support with related justice/public safety components (varies)
Multi-agency operational coordination patterns (varies)

Pros

Mature capabilities suitable for day-to-day dispatch reliability needs
Often a fit for agencies coordinating across multiple systems
Can support structured operational reporting requirements

Cons

Modern UX and cloud deployment options must be confirmed per offering/version
Integration projects may require dedicated technical resources
Migration complexity depends heavily on legacy environment

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (confirm RBAC, audit logging, MFA/SSO, and encryption capabilities during procurement)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Typically integrates with GIS, RMS, mobile, and analytics; confirm interface availability and costs.

GIS/geocoding and addressing datasets
RMS and justice systems (varies)
Mobile data and field unit updates (varies)
Radio/voice environments (varies)
CAD-to-CAD exchange (varies)
Data export to reporting/BI tools (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor and partner support models vary by region. Community is primarily customer-oriented. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#9 — ProPhoenix CAD (Public Safety Suite)

Short description (2–3 lines): A public safety CAD option often evaluated by agencies that want CAD and related modules from a single vendor, with an emphasis on practical operations, records alignment, and configurable workflows (varies).

Key Features

Incident entry, dispatching, and unit status workflows
Configurable response plans and local SOP alignment (varies)
Mapping/GIS capability (implementation dependent)
Reporting and audit-friendly incident histories
RMS alignment and shared data model benefits (when adopted together)
Interfaces for mobile and third-party integrations (varies)

Pros

Potentially streamlined CAD+RMS alignment for agencies standardizing a suite
Practical operational focus for day-to-day dispatch use
Configurability for local workflows (depending on implementation)

Cons

Best-fit depends on agency complexity and integration needs
Some advanced or niche workflows may require additional scoping
Upgrades and modernization pace should be validated during evaluation

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (validate RBAC, audit logs, encryption, and MFA/SSO options per deployment)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Often centers on CAD/RMS alignment with common interfaces to GIS, mobile, and reporting.

RMS and records modules
GIS/map layers and geocoding (varies)
Mobile client integrations (varies)
CAD-to-CAD data exchange (varies)
Exports to analytics/reporting tools
Identity provider integrations (varies)

Support & Community

Vendor-led support and implementation; community size varies by region. Varies / Not publicly stated.

#10 — Oracle Public Safety (CAD within Public Safety suite)

Short description (2–3 lines): A public safety software suite approach from a large enterprise vendor, typically considered by agencies wanting enterprise-scale governance, integration options, and standardized operations across multiple public safety functions (module scope varies).

Key Features

CAD capabilities as part of a broader public safety suite approach (varies)
Enterprise integration patterns and data governance orientation
Configurable workflows aligned to agency policies (varies)
Reporting/analytics potential via enterprise data tooling (varies)
Identity and access management alignment in enterprise environments (varies)
Scalable architecture options depending on implementation (varies)

Pros

Strong fit for large organizations standardizing enterprise IT governance
Integration and data management can benefit from enterprise patterns
Suitable for complex stakeholder environments when well-managed

Cons

Implementation complexity can be high
May be heavier than needed for smaller agencies
Exact CAD feature depth and operational fit must be validated carefully

Platforms / Deployment

Varies / N/A

Security & Compliance

Not publicly stated (security capabilities depend on the implementation and hosting; validate SSO/MFA, RBAC, encryption, and audit logging requirements)

Integrations & Ecosystem

Often evaluated in the context of enterprise integration and data strategy. Integration details and tooling vary by program.

Identity providers for SSO (varies)
Enterprise integration middleware/ESB patterns (varies)
GIS and location services (varies)
RMS/justice ecosystem integrations (varies)
Data warehousing/BI exports (varies)
Inter-agency data exchange interfaces (varies)

Support & Community

Enterprise vendor support model with implementation partners in many regions. Community is not open-source; primarily customer and partner networks. Varies / Not publicly stated.

Comparison Table (Top 10)

Tool Name	Best For	Platform(s) Supported	Deployment (Cloud/Self-hosted/Hybrid)	Standout Feature	Public Rating
Motorola Solutions PremierOne CAD	Large/complex dispatch centers needing deep workflows and integrations	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Enterprise-scale CAD ecosystem potential	N/A
Hexagon OnCall Dispatch	Multi-agency coordination and configurable dispatch workflows	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Configurable, multi-jurisdiction orientation	N/A
Tyler Technologies New World CAD	Municipal/county environments standardizing public sector systems	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Local government procurement fit and breadth	N/A
CentralSquare OneSolution CAD	Agencies consolidating public safety operations into a suite	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Suite alignment for CAD + adjacent modules	N/A
Spillman Flex CAD	Small-to-mid agencies prioritizing dependable CAD fundamentals	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Practical CAD for county/local deployments	N/A
Mark43 CAD	Agencies prioritizing modern UX and software-native iteration	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Cloud-forward, API-oriented approach (varies)	N/A
RapidDeploy Radius	Cloud-native mapping-centric dispatch operations	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Mapping/data visualization emphasis	N/A
Versaterm CAD	Agencies seeking mature CAD with justice/public safety alignment	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Mature dispatch operations + portfolio fit	N/A
ProPhoenix CAD	Agencies wanting CAD+RMS alignment from a single vendor	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Suite-style alignment for operations and records	N/A
Oracle Public Safety (CAD)	Enterprise governance + integration-heavy public safety programs	Varies / N/A	Varies / N/A	Enterprise integration and data governance posture	N/A

Evaluation & Scoring of Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) Systems

Scoring model (1–10 per criterion) with weighted total (0–10) using:

Core features – 25%
Ease of use – 15%
Integrations & ecosystem – 15%
Security & compliance – 10%
Performance & reliability – 10%
Support & community – 10%
Price / value – 15%

Tool Name	Core (25%)	Ease (15%)	Integrations (15%)	Security (10%)	Performance (10%)	Support (10%)	Value (15%)	Weighted Total (0–10)
Motorola Solutions PremierOne CAD	9	6	9	7	9	8	5	7.55
Hexagon OnCall Dispatch	8	6	8	7	8	7	5	6.95
Tyler Technologies New World CAD	8	6	7	7	8	7	6	6.95
CentralSquare OneSolution CAD	7	6	7	7	7	7	7	6.85
Spillman Flex CAD	7	7	6	6	7	7	7	6.75
Mark43 CAD	7	8	7	7	7	7	6	7.05
RapidDeploy Radius	6	8	7	7	7	6	6	6.70
Versaterm CAD	7	6	7	7	7	7	6	6.70
ProPhoenix CAD	7	7	6	6	7	6	7	6.65
Oracle Public Safety (CAD)	7	5	8	7	8	7	4	6.50

How to interpret these scores:

Scores are comparative—they reflect typical fit signals and public positioning, not a guarantee for your deployment.
A higher score doesn’t mean “best for everyone”; it often means best for a specific complexity level (enterprise vs smaller agencies).
Integrations and security scores depend heavily on your architecture, hosting model, and contracted modules.
Always validate with workflow demos, interface inventories, and a pilot or staged rollout plan.

Which Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) Systems Tool Is Right for You?

Solo / Freelancer

Most solo buyers don’t purchase CAD. If you’re a consultant/integrator:

Prioritize tools with clear interface patterns, strong vendor cooperation, and configurable workflows.
Your “best” choice is typically driven by the agency’s existing RMS/GIS/radio stack, not personal preference.

SMB

For small agencies or consolidated PSAPs with limited IT staff:

Optimize for operational reliability, straightforward workflows, and vendor support.
Be cautious about over-customization; favor configuration and standard operating templates.
Shortlist tools that fit your budget and staffing reality, and that can integrate with the essentials (GIS, RMS, radio logging, AVL where needed).

Mid-Market

For counties, regional dispatch centers, or multi-city PSAPs:

Prioritize multi-agency workflows, mutual aid operations, and integration scalability.
Look for role-based workflows (dispatcher, supervisor, admin, field units) and strong reporting.
Validate “day two operations”: how fast can you change response plans, incident types, unit rules, and map layers?

Enterprise

For large metros, statewide programs, and complex multi-discipline operations:

Prioritize resilience, scale, governance, auditability, and deep interoperability.
Expect a significant integration program: CAD-to-CAD, RMS, identity, GIS, analytics, mobile, radio/voice, and possibly NG911 adjacency.
Choose a vendor with proven capacity for long-term support, upgrade planning, and operational continuity.

Budget vs Premium

Budget-leaning programs should focus on: stable core dispatch, minimal interfaces, and phased upgrades.
Premium programs can justify: redundancy, advanced analytics, broader integrations, and stronger operational tooling—but only if governance is in place to manage complexity.

Feature Depth vs Ease of Use

Feature depth matters most when you have specialized units, layered response plans, complex jurisdictions, and high call volume.
Ease of use matters most when you have turnover, cross-trained staff, or a need to reduce training time and dispatch errors.

Integrations & Scalability

If you have more than a handful of integrations, treat integration as a product: inventory, ownership, testing, and monitoring.
Prefer platforms with well-defined APIs or interface toolkits (where available) and clear versioning/upgrade impact processes.

Security & Compliance Needs

Define your baseline: RBAC, MFA/SSO, encryption, audit logs, retention, and incident response expectations.
Confirm how the vendor supports security in your model (cloud, on-prem, hybrid) and how access is managed for dispatchers, supervisors, IT admins, and external agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between CAD and RMS?

CAD manages real-time incidents and dispatch operations. RMS manages records, reporting, and case documentation after or alongside the incident. Many agencies integrate or buy both from one vendor.

Are CAD systems typically cloud or on-prem in 2026?

Both. Cloud and hybrid adoption is increasing, but many agencies still require on-prem controls. The right model depends on policy, risk posture, and resilience requirements.

How long does CAD implementation take?

Varies widely. Smaller, low-integration deployments can be faster, while multi-agency rollouts with many interfaces and data migration can take much longer. Plan for staged go-lives.

What pricing models are common for CAD systems?

Varies / N/A. Public safety CAD pricing often depends on seats, modules, interfaces, hosting, and support. Many vendors don’t publish standardized pricing.

What are common mistakes when buying a CAD system?

Underestimating integration effort, failing to map SOPs into workflows, ignoring “day two” admin needs, and not planning training and change management for dispatchers and supervisors.

What security capabilities should I require at minimum?

At minimum: RBAC, MFA, audit logs, encryption, and a clear access model for admins and third parties. Also require clear patching, incident response, and backup/failover expectations.

Do CAD systems support CAD-to-CAD and mutual aid data sharing?

Some do, but capabilities and standards support vary significantly by vendor and region. Treat interoperability as a specific requirement with test scenarios, not an assumed checkbox.

Can AI replace dispatch decision-making?

AI can assist (suggest incident types, reduce typing, summarize narratives), but dispatch decisions remain high-stakes. Require human-in-the-loop controls, transparency, and strong QA.

How hard is it to switch CAD vendors?

Switching is complex: retraining, data migration, interfaces, SOP reconfiguration, and continuity planning. Most risk comes from integrations and operational change—not just software replacement.

What are alternatives to a full CAD system?

For non-911 use cases, alternatives include incident management/ticketing tools or lightweight dispatch boards. For true public safety dispatch, full CAD is usually required due to reliability and workflow depth.

How should we test a CAD system before committing?

Run scenario-based demos and a pilot with: high-volume call spikes, multi-unit incidents, mutual aid, major incident workflows, outages/degraded mode, and interface failover behavior.

What integrations should we prioritize first?

Start with the systems that affect real-time response: GIS/geocoding, AVL/unit status, radio/voice logging, RMS handoff, and any regional CAD-to-CAD needs.

Conclusion

Public Safety Dispatch (CAD) systems are mission-critical platforms that sit at the center of emergency response—coordinating people, vehicles, and information under pressure. In 2026+, the “best” CAD choice is increasingly shaped by interoperability, security maturity, deployment model (cloud/hybrid/on-prem), and operational resilience, not just a feature checklist.

The right approach is to shortlist 2–3 tools that match your agency size, governance capacity, and integration needs—then run a structured evaluation: confirm workflows with dispatchers, validate integrations end-to-end, and assess security and continuity plans before a full rollout.