A cybersecurity incident impacted the Bucks County Department of Emergency Communications on Sunday.

            Officials stressed that Bucks County residents are still able to call 911 to get through to the emergency communications center. 

            According to a message sent on Jan. 22, 2024 to Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical officers, emergency service agencies in the county, the Bucks County Department of Emergency Communications is investigating a cybersecurity incident affecting the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

            The CAD is used by call-takers and dispatchers to input and broadcast locations and information on incidents. The information goes to responders and helps to identify the units to be dispatched.

             The message added that all phone systems and radio systems remain operational, and all calls for service from the public are being received and dispatched to first responders without delay. All incidents are being documented using a backup system. 

            Officials noted that the CAD system has been offline since Sunday afternoon, and that there is currently no projected timeframe for restoration. County information technology staff are working to assess the issue and restore CAD service. The County has engaged state and federal partner agencies to assist in our response and investigation and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. 

            In addition, the County's access to the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases has been temporarily disconnected. 

            Officials requested that radio communication be kept to essential transmissions only and that responders attempt to maintain their times as best they can. 

            A message posted on the Bucks County website by Bucks County Emergency Services Director Audrey Kenny emphasized that "I want both the public and our first responder partners to know that our 911 system is up and running – If you call us for an emergency response, our dispatchers will get you the help you need … The County has partnered with state and federal agencies, and has retained best-in-class incident response professionals to assist in our ongoing investigation." 

            It was the second incident in a month to affect the Bucks County 911 Center.  In December, technical issues caused the call center to operate at a diminished capacity for 2-1/2 hours before full service was restored.

            As of Wednesday morning, automated resources powered by the CAD system were still unavailable.