Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the DuPage Public Safety Communications FAQ page, where we aim to address your inquiries and provide valuable information about our services. Explore common questions related to emergency communication, public safety protocols, and how we strive to ensure the well-being of the communities of DuPage County.
What is DU-COMM?
DU-COMM is an intergovernmental agency formed in 1975 to provide public safety communications services to Police, Fire, and EMS agencies. Today, DU-COMM serves forty-five (45) agencies in DuPage County and is one of the largest consolidated 9-1-1 centers in Illinois. In 2022 DU-COMM processed over 980,000 phone calls and over 700,000 police and Fire/EMS incidents.
How did DU-COMM originate?
On October 1st, 1972, Hillside Police Officer Anthony Raymond was kidnapped and murdered by a group who had just committed an armed robbery. The officer, who was unaware of the robbery, stopped their vehicle for a routine traffic violation. He radioed the traffic stop to his dispatcher but, because of channel congestion, was never heard. Local, state and federal government agencies then worked together to create smaller radio networks. DU-COMM was created to provide centralized communications for the northeast and northwest quadrants of DuPage County.
What is MABAS?
MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) is a organization designed to provide mutual aid to area fire departments. DU-COMM is the communications center for MABAS Divisions 12 and 16.
Is DU-COMM privately owned?
No. DU-COMM is a unit of local government with the same rights, responsibilities, duties and obligations as any other unit of local government with one exception. DU-COMM does not levy a tax. Citizens pay 9-1-1 fees on their landline and wireless phone bills, but that money is collected by the DuPage Emergency Telephone Board (ETSB) who supports DU-COMM and other PSAPs in its system. All DU-COMM employees are considered municipal employees and belong to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
If DU-COMM cannot levy a tax, how does it receive its funding?
DU-COMM is funded in many different ways. The main source of our Operational funding comes from the Muncipalities and Fire Protection Districts we serve. DU-COMM also receives fees for monitoring alarms as well as lease fees from various cell phone companies that lease space on our towers throughout DuPage County. This funding allows DU-COMM to not only maintain its day to day operations, but to be on the cutting edge of technology for 9-1-1 communications.
How many Telecommunicators are on duty at any given time?
DU-COMM has an authorized strength of 89 full time professional Telecommunicators. Although staffing levels in our center will vary by day and time, there are generally 14 to 15 Telecommunicators on duty at any given moment.
Can I take a tour of DU-COMM?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate individual tours. We do provide tours to community groups such as scouts, civic associations, etc. To arrange for a group tour please contact the Deputy Director of Operations at (630) 260-7504.
Will DU-COMM provide a speaker for my group or meeting?
Yes. With sufficient notice we will be happy to provide a speaker for your group or meeting to talk about 9-1-1 and DU-COMM. Please contact the Deputy Director of Operations at (630) 260-7504.
