Today, International Secure Communications Network (ISCN) maintains over 350 miles of fiber optic cable, which is the backbone to transport voice, data and radio to Police Districts, Fire Houses, Police Headquarters, Fire Headquarters, City Hall and other key 911 facilities.

The OVS enables the City to expand its use of surveillance cameras, biological, chemical, and radiological sensors. These cameras and sensors simultaneously feed into the City's Operations Center, where day-to-day coordination of city services and emergency response occurs.

This links Chicago based organizations, companies and sister agencies’ cameras systems into the OEMC state-of-the-art unified video surveillance network. 

PSA follows the below retention schedule for its technical data. The schedule is documented in an Application for Authority to Dispose of Local Records, filed with the Local Records Commission of Cook County (Application No. 02:019C). Records Disposal Certificates are applied for each year prior to record disposal in accordance with Application No. 02:019C.

OPSA PSGIS manages an enterprise GIS solution that provides flexibility to support a wide range of mapping needs for Police (CPD), Fire (CFD) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC). PSGIS provides custom maps, spatial analysis, dashboards, web mapping applications and GIS data creation and automation. PSGIS is integrated with OEMC CAD providing real-time mapping of 911 calls for services in conjunction with Police and Fire vehicles, enabling live situational awareness maps for events like the Marathon and Pride Parade.

PSGIS also supports 911 response dispatching for CFD & CPD. PSGIS has created several mapping applications focusing on specific interests for each of the three Public Safety departments. Being able to view important, timely information in the context of a map can help Public Safety leaders make informed critical decisions that benefit the citizens of Chicago.  CLEARMap is a collection of CPD’s publicly available GIS applications. It allows citizens to view crime and registered sex & gun offenders near an address or within a Police Beat, Ward or Community.

The PSIT team provides end-to-end management of network and data infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and operational health across all connected systems and devices. Our experienced engineers oversee the full lifecycle of network and data services, including procurement, installation, upgrades, cutovers, and comprehensive system testing.

We deliver 24/7/365 Helpdesk support for all Public Safety end-user devices—including computers, servers, networking hardware, and mobile technology. The PSIT's Help Desk serves as the primary support contact for all Public Safety 4-DATA calls and facilitates warm transfers for issues identified as public safety-related.

Our team plays a critical on-site support role within key operational environments, including the CAD and OPS floors at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and 311. We provide Level 1 support for CAD equipment on the operations floor and maintain a strong presence during Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations for major events such as the Fourth of July, Taste of Chicago, and the Democratic National Convention.

Additionally, PSIT manages all audiovisual (AV) systems at OEMC and collaborates with external government agencies to meet a wide range of IT-related needs. We also supplement 311 operations with additional technical support as required.

OPSA is responsible for the installation and maintenance of approximately 1800 City fire alarm boxes (pullboxes) that send fire alarm signals directly to the 911 Dispatch floor at the OEMC. Please reference MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO, 14B-9-919 City fire alarm box, for more information.

Procedures for Fire Alarm Request Letter

1. Name of the facility in which the work will be taking place.
2. Address of the facility in which the work will be taking place.
3. Nature of the work desired. Will this be a new Fire Alarm Box installation or will it be a Fire Alarm box relocation?
4. Name of the project manager or the person of contact if any questions should arise.
5. Any other information that may help expedite the work. 

This written request can be faxed or emailed to OPSA, Fax: 312.746.9548, Email: PSA_iscn@cityofchicago.org

The original request should be mailed for our records to: 

Office of Emergency Management and Communications - ISCN

1345 W Madison

Chicago, IL. 60607-1809

Any further questions, please call OPSA at 312.742.3788