Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah, Office of Unified Communications (OUC) Director McGaffin, and other public safety officials at the reopening and ribbon-cutting of the District’s Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC).

“OUC operates one of the busiest call centers in the country and the OUC team performs some of the most demanding and critical work in the city,” said Mayor Bowser. “This Public Safety Communications Center is another investment in a safer, stronger DC, and with my Fiscal 2026 budget, we’re making new investments in the call takers who are the backbone of these operations.”

The $18.5 million renovation, completed in two phases, stabilized the PSCC’s power systems, overhauled the building’s infrastructure, and expanded the facility’s layout to meet the evolving needs of OUC. As the agency’s second operations site, the upgraded PSCC strengthens the District’s ability to maintain uninterrupted emergency communications and ensures long-term resilience and operational continuity.

Mayor Bowser also highlighted significant public safety investments included in her FY26 Budget, Grow DC, including $1.3 million to raise the starting salary of 911 caller takers to $61,313 annually and $1 million for call taker recruitment and retention bonusesThis increased pay will make OUC call takers among the highest paid in the National Capital Region, ensuring their salaries are not only competitive, but also reflect the critical nature of their work.  

“From 911 and 311 call takers, fire and police dispatchers, to floor supervisors, and the administrative staff who support them, the reopening of PSCC is significant milestone for this team,” said Deputy Mayor Appiah. “Behind OUC in the delivery of their mission is a powerful team of committed government and business partners supporting various functions such as computer aided dispatch, telephony, location services, numerous hardware and software applications, and more to ensure provide accurate, professional, and expedited service.” 

In 2024, OUC handled approximately 1.7 million 911 calls and dispatched police, fire, and emergency medical services nearly 900,000 times. The agency also handled over 750,000 calls through 311 and processed more than 500,000 service requests.  

“The reopening of the PSCC is a triumph for our agency and will ensure the continued success of 911 and 311 operations,” said Director McGaffin. “With Mayor Bowser’s bold investments in OUC, we will continue to grow our footprint, our workforce, and our technology.” 

For more information about Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget, Grow DC, visit budget.dc.gov. 

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