Closest Unit Response (CUR) vs. Fastest Unit Response (FUR): Navigating the Shift in Emergency Dispatch Strategies

Emergency response has always been rooted in one fundamental principle: get help where it’s needed, as quickly as possible. Traditionally, this has been managed through a model called Closest Unit Response (CUR), where the nearest available unit is dispatched to the scene. However, with advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of urban dynamics, the industry is increasingly leaning towards a more sophisticated model: Fastest Unit Response (FUR).

This evolution is not just about semantics—it's about efficiency, reliability, and adaptability in the field. Understanding the difference between CUR and FUR is critical for public safety leaders aiming to optimize their response strategies.

Understanding CUR: The Traditional Approach

Closest Unit Response is exactly what it sounds like: dispatching the geographically nearest unit to an incident. The logic is simple—the less distance to travel, the quicker the response.

Advantages:

1. Simplicity in Dispatching: Clear and straightforward logic—send the closest unit.
2. Faster Routing Decisions: No need for complex calculations; dispatchers make quick decisions based on proximity.
3. Resource Availability Awareness: Dispatchers know which units are nearest and available, keeping communication streamlined.

Limitations:

1. Physical Distance ≠ Fastest Arrival: Traffic congestion, train crossings, and even drawbridges can render the closest unit ineffective.
2. Jurisdictional Conflicts: The closest unit might be from a neighboring zone, or even a specialized role like a School Resource Officer (SRO), who is not ideal for certain types of calls like noise complaints or mental health crises.
3. Compromised Patrol Strategies: CUR can pull units from designated beats or zones, disrupting strategic patrol planning derived from CompStat analysis.

Example: A noise complaint comes in, and the nearest available unit is an SRO stationed at a high school. Sending that officer disrupts their primary role and may delay response to critical incidents within the school. CUR's logic doesn’t consider the officer’s specific duties—just their proximity.

The Shift to FUR: Why "Closest" Isn't Always "Fastest"

Fastest Unit Response (FUR) changes the narrative by leveraging real-time data to dispatch the unit that can arrive fastest—not necessarily the one closest. This model considers:

• Traffic Patterns and Congestion
• Train Crossings and Drawbridge Timings
• Road Closures and Construction
• Weather Conditions

Advantages:

1. Speed Optimization: By considering real-time road conditions, the fastest available route is chosen, not just the shortest.
2. Increased Reliability: Avoids common obstacles like train crossings or blocked intersections.
3. Smart Routing Adjustments: Enables dispatchers to select optimal paths dynamically, minimizing delays.

Limitations:

1. Data Dependency: FUR is only effective if traffic, train, and road condition data are accurate and current.
2. Infrastructure Requirements: Requires integration with monitoring systems (e.g., railway crossing alerts, drawbridge schedules).
3. Technology Gaps: Smaller or rural agencies may lack the infrastructure to fully support FUR.

Example: In Fort Lauderdale, a call for assistance on the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway might traditionally go to the nearest patrol unit. But if the drawbridge is up, that unit could be stuck for 15 minutes, while another unit farther away, but on the correct side of the bridge, could respond faster.

Strategic Deployment: When to Use CUR vs. FUR

The transition from CUR to FUR is not absolute; it's strategic. Certain Incident Response Factors (IRFs) should determine which model is used:

When to Use CUR:

• Noise Complaints: Zone integrity is critical; zone units are familiar with local community issues and ongoing disputes.
• Suspicious Persons: Local patrol units are already familiar with residents and frequent visitors.
• Minor Traffic Accidents: The closest zone unit often handles without the need for advanced rerouting.

When to Use FUR:

• Active Shooter or Armed Robbery: Speed is paramount; fastest arrival can be life-saving.
• Medical Emergencies: Particularly with cardiac events or severe trauma, every second matters.
• Structure Fires: Access routes are crucial—FUR ensures the least obstructed path is taken.
• Traffic Accidents with Injuries: Dynamic rerouting can navigate around blockages and congestion.

Technology as the Great Equalizer

To maximize the benefits of FUR, agencies must invest in real-time monitoring technology:

1. Train Crossings & Drawbridge Monitoring

Agencies can integrate with monitoring services that track the status of train crossings and bridge lifts. Dispatch can then auto-calculate real-time detours to avoid these obstacles.

2. Live Traffic Feeds

Partnering with services like Waze, Google Maps, or local traffic monitoring systems can enhance routing decisions.

3. Predictive Analytics

Historical data can inform pre-positioning of units during peak traffic hours or around major events.

4. Integrated CAD/RMS Systems

Updating Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management Systems (RMS) to factor in real-time travel delays optimizes FUR routing.

A Hybrid Solution: The CUR/FUR Toggle

The ideal system should not force agencies into a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, agencies should have the option to toggle between CUR and FUR based on IRFs.

Example Implementation:

• Default Mode: CUR for low-priority, non-urgent calls to maintain beat integrity.
• Toggle Mode: FUR for critical incidents where speed is paramount.

Dispatchers could even configure auto-toggles based on incident type, geography, and jurisdictional boundaries.

Conclusion: Redefining "Fast" in Emergency Response

The shift from CUR to FUR reflects a deeper understanding of what true efficiency means in emergency response. Proximity is not the sole determinant of speed; real-time conditions, road obstructions, and tactical considerations play an equally critical role.

By investing in technology and embracing a hybrid model, agencies can maintain zone integrity while optimizing for the fastest possible response. In public safety, shaving off minutes—or even seconds—can mean the difference between life and death.

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