JACKSON – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Jackson District will be consolidating six dispatch locations to one centralized dispatch center beginning today.

Dispatching services for the Athens, Gallipolis, Jackson, Ironton, Chillicothe and Portsmouth posts will be consolidated to the Jackson District Headquarters building at 10179 Chillicothe Pike in Jackson.

Officials say the realignment of dispatching resources will maximize the use of the Patrol’s personnel, equipment, and communications operations. Personnel are not being eliminated, but rather shifted into a larger work group of dispatchers to ensure proper coverage, better working conditions, and to avoid duplication of efforts.

This consolidation is intended for maximization of dispatching and equipment resources. Patrol dispatchers are on duty 24/7 to support field units in their enforcement and safety efforts on the road.

Officials want the public to understand:

This consolidation will cause no interruption in services provided to the public.

No Patrol posts or troopers will be moved, just the dispatching function.

There have been no lay-offs and no dispatchers have lost their jobs.

Patrol managers expect the transition to be completed by next week.