The switch on Monday to move police desk sergeants to patrol Butler streets went smoothly.

The police department had previously had an officer at its desk 24 hours a day to answer phone calls and to speak with residents who walk into the station.

But at 8 a.m. Monday the Butler County Emergency Services took over dispatching responsibilities for the department.

Mayor Tom Donaldson said the move was made to get more officers on patrol on the streets. The police department has 23 officers.

Steve Bicehouse, director of emergency services, said the first day went smoothly for county dispatchers.

“We’re handling the calls,” Bicehouse said Monday.

He reported no major issues, saying that there only were minor issues that did not affect services.

Bicehouse said the 911 center did receive more calls than usual. However, he noted that many people in the past had called 911 asking for city police, and the dispatchers would transfer the calls to the city police station. The only real difference now is that dispatchers follow through with the entire call.

“It’s not a huge difference,” Bicehouse said.

He said the 911 center got about 20 to 25 non-emergency calls that the city police normally would have taken. Bicehouse said dispatchers told the callers that they still should call the city police station in these cases.

In June, the county approved hiring five new, part-time dispatchers to handle the increased calls. Bicehouse said three dispatchers have been hired so far, and they still are in training.

For this week, he said the 911 center scheduled additional dispatchers from its pool of part-time dispatchers.

This change in dispatching will allow one additional city officer to be on the street during each shift. Currently, three or four officers are out per shift.

The police station remains open to the public during business hours, but the public will not be able to be buzzed into the station overnight.

Instead, an emergency phone has been installed outside the station that can be used to dial 911.

Donaldson reported no major issues from the city’s end. He expects any minor bugs to be fixed within a few weeks.

“So far, it’s been smooth,” Donaldson said.

He said the important aspect for the city is increased flexibility and additional officers on the street. He said city officers are professionals who will be able to handle the change.

“This will be fine,” Donaldson said.

Eagle staff writer Will DeShong contributed to this report.