THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS POLICE FORCE IS OUTLINED AS A BACKGROUND FOR EXPLANATION OF THE ENTIRE CONTROL SYSTEM, AS THE SYSTEM INVOLVES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LOCAL POLICE FORCES THROUGHOUT WEST MIDLANDS. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM ARE IDENTIFIED, WITH ATTENTION TO THE WORKING PARTIES, TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS, CONTRACTORS, AND REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND CONSULTANT PHASES. THE FUNCTION OF THE CONTROL ROOM WITHIN THE SYSTEM IS EXPLAINED, TOGETHER WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THE CONTROL ROOM. TECHNICAL INFORMATION IS OFFERED REGARDING THE RADIO, THE TELEPHONES, THE COMPUTER, AND OTHER FACILITIES USED, SUCH AS DICTAPHONES, STAND-BY POWER, AND ALARM SYSTEMS. FINALLY, MENTION IS MADE OF TRAINING FACILITIES AND PROCEDURES AND OF MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES. (MHP)