BUDGET MESSAGE - Sun Sentinel

Proposed Budget FY2013/2014Department of Community ServicesCommunicationsACTUAL BUDGET BUDGETCLASSIFICATION 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014PERSONNEL SERVICES $18,569,658 $20,429,528 $22,713,967OPERATING EXPENSES 240,260 218,009 258,709CAPITAL OUTLAY 165,973 0 0TOTAL $18,975,891 $20,647,537 $22,972,676POSITIONS (FTE) 267.6 268.4 268.4MISSION:The Broward Sheriff's Office Regional Communications Division operates the largest regional dispatchcenter in the county with two additional Public Safety Answering Points at Pompano Beach and FortLauderdale. The Division is directly responsible for 9-1-1 intake, police dispatch and Teletype service forthe unincorporated areas, 24 law enforcement municipalities and numerous special patrol areas includingthe Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, BSO Department of Correctionsand Court Services. The Division functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is comprised of highlytrained Communications Operators who are responsible for processing approximately 2.5 millionemergency and non-emergency telephone calls annually.The Regional Communications Division is also responsible for providing primary fire rescue dispatchingfor 20 fire rescue municipalities, as well as unincorporated Broward County. The division facilitates allcommunications between medical units and emergency room physicians, as well as provides emergencymedical dispatch for all municipalities.The Teletype Unit at all BSO dispatch sites handle requests through NCIC/FCIC and DHSMV for driverslicense checks, criminal histories, warrants, missing and/or wanted persons and stolen property.The 9-1-1 Evidence and Records Unit acts as custodian of all audio recordings of police and fire/rescuecommunication conversations such as incoming 9-1-1 calls, portable radio and dispatch transmissions.Governed by state law, the unit produces audio cassette tapes for the state attorney, private attorneys, publicsafety agencies, private citizens, private investigators and insurance companies. The recordings are mostcommonly used for court presentations and to assist the State Attorney's Office with criminal proceedings.OBJECTIVES:To provide quality and efficient service to the citizens of Broward County through the proper processing of911 and non-emergency public safety calls in order to facilitate the dispatching of appropriate services toour communities.38