A description of all activities that led to the system's becoming operational on May 1, 1984, encompasses background research, enabling legislation, planning, and implementation. Proposed undertakings for the near future are also considered. The evolution of the system design concept throughout the various research and planning phases is detailed, followed by a presentation of original recommendations for a system to be shared by three parishes. The final recommendation for a system to serve only the Orleans Parish is then presented. Planning and implementation for this final product are detailed. The report also reviews the system's funding and financial management. The New Orleans Police Department's command and control center is the system's centralized public safety answering point. The enhanced features of the system make it possible to display the phone number and location of the caller, selectively route the call to the appropriate jurisdiction, and coordinate joint responses. The system's development is a model of local government-private sector cooperation. The appendixes contain enabling legislation and other materials involved in the system's planning.