Purpose

The purpose of this task is to assess the capacity of the various public safety and emergency service providers throughout the primary study area. This assessment will identify the capability of existing service levels as well as future demands related to the anticipated population increases. Deficiencies, should there be any, affecting these public services will be identified and recommendations to phase-in improvements will be made.

Research

Regional public safety agencies including police, fire, ambulance, animal control and first responders will be interviewed. Information from the interviews will be assessed by the Consultant Team. Personnel will be asked to:

• Identify recommendations and provide a listing of additional services, facilities, equipment and/or personnel to meet the needs and demands relative to any population increases;
• Make recommendations for a regional coordination of services among jurisdictions and service areas in the region;
• Recommend alternatives for coordination between jurisdiction and service areas;
• Identify specific action steps needed to successfully implement the recommendations;
• List cost estimates to implement recommendations; and
• Identify possible means of funding for recommendations.

Current studies/statistics will be examined to ascertain each provider’s capabilities to respond adequately to safety and emergency situations. Crime statistics, as well as emergency and non-emergency reports, will be analyzed. This combined information will be used to identify current and future needs including additional services, facilities, equipment and/or personnel required to meet the demands of the expected regional population increase due to BRAC 2005.