Management and Performance Review of County Government ...

Judicial and Public Safety Functions
better able to organize and coordinate a response in the case of a catastrophe. For
some of the smaller jurisdictions, it is challenging to provide 24-hour service due to the
staffing requirements and low call volume. A centralized PSAP with a higher call volume
could afford a larger staff, which would provide increased flexibility in scheduling,
vacation and training for the staff. Furthermore, it may be cost beneficial to invest in
training staff in CPR and Emergency First Aid in order to provide even better services to
callers. Finally, a centralized answering point may facilitate the handling of calls
originating from cell phones.
While centralizing the communication centers would benefit both the county and
the jurisdictions that maintain their own PSAPs, there are some issues that should be
considered before consolidation. These issues include:
‣ Allocating costs associated with center operations among jurisdictions
involved;
‣ Organizing the entity to manage the consolidated center; and
‣ Managing response policy differences of the jurisdictions.
In addition, the jurisdictions may hesitate to join the centralized system due the
perceived loss of local control. Addressing these issues early on will facilitate the
integration of the independent PSAPs into a centralized county-wide Public Safety
Answering Point.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation can be implemented within existing resources, but could
ultimately result in a savings to Jefferson County, as well as other jurisdictions.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justices of the Peace (JPs) are county officials elected from within precincts to
four-year terms. They have original jurisdiction in misdemeanor criminal cases when
punishment is by fine only. These courts generally have exclusive jurisdiction of civil
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