(AP) — Officials say better technology is allowing the Nebraska State Patrol to save money as it consolidates its dispatch centers down to three from six.

For example, the new technology will let a dispatcher in Omaha send a trooper in Scottsbluff to a call in Alliance.

The patrol superintendent is Col. David Sankey, and he says that although dispatchers will be farther from the troopers they’re directing, he doesn’t think that will pose problems.

But Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger says he’s concerned that dispatchers elsewhere won’t know the layout of northeast Nebraska.

The first dispatch operation to close will be the Norfolk center in May. The second phase will be implemented by summer 2015. A committee will determine which center will close next.

The consolidation is expected to save $750,000.