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Cuyahoga County: PSAP Assessment
9.5 Governance Model
Our research concluded that, almost without exception, every PSAP consolidation
also included an advisory board. There are many different governance models,
and selecting a governance structure that suits the geographical and political
area is a critical component to a successful consolidation. Several Governance
Model examples are listed below.
1. Separate Department within an existing department’s governmental
structure. This model has a civilian director that reports within the
department’s organizational structure with other department heads.
2. A Department that is part of a participating/existing agency. Sworn
personnel manage the PSAP and fall under the management of that
department.
3. Independent Authority. A civilian director typically manages these
agencies and reports to a board of representatives from participating
members.
4. Contractual. Governmental units can enter into contractual agreements
with one another in order to provide PSAP and/or dispatch service.
9.5.1 Advisory Committee
It is also recommended that an Advisory Committee be created before, during
and after any consolidation with a representative from each participating PSAP.
The Advisory Committee’s primary purpose is to review and approve the
structure for the following key PSAP components:
PSAP personnel
Training for PSAP personnel
PSAP infrastructure
PSAP administration
PSAP governance
Additionally, it is recommended that Cuyahoga County hold bi-annual meetings
of all PSAPs that exist within the County. These meetings would foster trust,
enhance communication and provide a forum for training and education.
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