Definition and Purpose

A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is a call or dispatch center that handles emergency calls and coordinates emergency responses. These centers are typically operated by local or regional government agencies, such as law enforcement, fire departments, or emergency medical services.

How Does a PSAP Work?

When someone dials the emergency number (such as 911 in the United States), the call is routed to the appropriate PSAP based on the caller's location. Personnel at these centers, known as telecommunicators or dispatchers, are trained to gather information from the caller and determine the nature of the emergency. They then coordinate and dispatch the appropriate emergency response units, such as police officers, firefighters, or paramedics, to the scene.

These centers play a critical role in ensuring public safety by serving as the first point of contact during emergencies. They handle a wide range of situations, including crimes in progress, medical emergencies, fires, and natural disasters. Telecommunicators are trained to stay calm under pressure, extract vital information from callers, and provide instructions or reassurance until help arrives.

GateKeeper enhances PSAP operations by enabling fast, secure, and password-free login for telecommunicators, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical dispatch systems. This reduces response delays caused by forgotten passwords or access issues and helps maintain operational continuity when every second counts.