§792. Definitions

When used in this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) "Public agency" means any agency or political subdivision of the state which provides or has authority to provide firefighting, police, ambulance, medical, or other emergency services.

(2) "Public safety agency" means a functional division of a public agency which provides firefighting, police, medical, or other emergency services.

(3) "Direct dispatch method" means a telephone service to a centralized dispatch center providing for the dispatch of an appropriate emergency service unit upon receipt of a telephone request for such services and a decision as to the proper action to be taken.

(4) "Relay method" means a telephone service whereby pertinent information is noted by the recipient of a telephone request for emergency services, and is relayed to appropriate public safety agencies or other providers of emergency services for dispatch of an emergency service unit.

(5) "Transfer method" means a telephone service which receives telephone requests for emergency services and directly transfers such requests to an appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

(6) "Referral method" means a telephone service which, upon the receipt of a telephone request for emergency services, provides the requesting party with the telephone number of the appropriate public safety agency or other provider of emergency services.

(7) "Basic system" means a telephone service which automatically connects a person dialing the digits 911 to an established public safety answering point through normal telephone service facilities.

(8) "Sophisticated system" means a basic system with the additional capability of automatic identification of the caller's number, holding the incoming call, reconnection on the same telephone line, clearing a telephone line or automatic call routing or combinations of such capabilities.

(9) "Methods" as used in Paragraphs (3), (4), (5) and (6) above shall refer to procedures to be followed by the public agency or public safety agency affected by those paragraphs.

Added by Acts 1974, No. 94, §1.