Approving an Interlocal Agreement for the Elimination Reorganization, and Consolidation of Public Safety Answering Points in St. Joseph Co 911 Centers

Home Browse Search

Bill No. 81 -13 ORDINANCE - ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS CONSORTIUM OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY . WHEREAS, each of four local government units in St. Joseph County operates a Public Safety Answering Point ( "PSAP ") for dispatching fire, ambulance and law enforcement services; WHEREAS, state law requires the consolidation of PSAPs by December 31, 2014; WHEREAS, while many public safety agencies in St. Joseph County communicate primarily on an 800 MHz analog communication system; other public safety agencies operate primarily on different radio systems hindering their ability to interoperate easily with each other when needed; and WHEREAS, consolidating the dispatch function and developing an interoperable public safety communications system will increase the safety of residents and public safety personnel of St. Joseph County; NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE ORDAINED AS FOLLOWS: SECTION I. PURPOSE (a) The Public Safety Communications Consortium of St. Joseph County is established for the purpose of promoting the efficient use of public safety agency resources through improved coordination and cooperation to enhance the safety of St. Joseph County residents using a consolidated dispatch function and interoperable voice and data communications system. It is comprised of St. Joseph County and the municipalities of St. Joseph County that have public safety agencies. (b) The Public Safety Communications Executive Board and Public Safety Communications Operations Board are created to govern the Consortium. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS The following definitions apply throughout this ordinance: (1) "Consortium" refers to the Public Safety Communications Consortium of St. Joseph County. (2) "County Commissioners" refers to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. (3) "Consolidated dispatch center" refers to one or two centers at which the. consolidated dispatch function takes place. (4) ".Consolidated dispatch functions" refers to all of the functions involved with operating one or two consolidated dispatch centers, as determined by the . operations. Board, including public safety call taking and dispatching of appropriate, public safety responders that currently are performed at the four Public Safety Answering Points ( "PSAPs ") and any other function that is appropriate for accomplishing the Consortium's purposes.