Frequently Asked Questions
what is du-comm?
DU-COMM (DuPage Public Safety Communications) was formed in 1975 by several municipalities in DuPage County to provide emergency communications services to those communities.
how did du-comm originate?
In the early 1970's, a Hillside, Illinois police officer 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.
how big is du-comm?
DU-COMM is the largest combined, centralized 9-1-1 PSAP in Illinois and serves more than 700,000 residents in DuPage County and a smaller number of persons in Cook and Kane Counties. DU-COMM receives more than 700 9-1-1 calls each day and generates between 1500-2000 dispatch records per day. DU-COMM also serves as the communications center for MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) Division XII.
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 Division XII
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 two exceptions. DU-COMM cannot levy a tax and DU-COMM cannot float a bond. All DU-COMM employees are considered municipal employees and belong to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
if du-comm cannot float bonds or 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 Villages, Cities and Fire Protection Districts we serve. DU-COMM also receives money from ADT alarm services for the many alarms we monitor directly at our facility 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 49 full time professional telecommunicators. Although staffing levels in our center will vary by day and time, there are generally 8 to 11 telecommunicators on duty at any given moment. Part time telecommunicators are used to augment the full time staff.
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 Assistant Director 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 Assistant Director at (630) 260-7504.