pinion Guest Op/Ed: A Regional Approach to Public Safety

A regional approach to public safety? Why not? We have it for water, roads, the environment, and many more areas of governance. As an elected official, I am part of many regional initiatives and authorities. Having served on a regional authority, the MPO, for over 22 years, I have seen the benefits of regional collaboration first hand.

Currently, I serve on the Tampa Bay National Estuary Policy Board as well as the Agency on Bay Management Board. Both of these Boards focus on protecting and enhancing Tampa Bay. Many County Commissioners serve in similar roles from the Peace River Water Authority to TBARTA a regional transit authority. These regional boards consist of many partners from citizens to elected officials.

This week, Commissioners were given a presentation on the challenges confronting our public safety radio network. The need for improvements as well as synergies could take place if we look to have an Interlocal Agreement with Sarasota. Sarasota is getting ready, if not currently working, to duplicate what Manatee County is going through to find long term solutions for their radios currently serving public safety for providers such as law enforcement.

Recently, I started writing down the list below of other public safety issues that could benefit from a regional approach versus a piece-meal approach. We have already discussed the regional connections between Sarasota County in our courts, jail diversion programs, and even recently our Substance Abuse Ordinance.

This is a list of possible services which could benefit from a regional authority focusing on public safety:

¥          Radio services

¥          Jail

¥          Courts

¥          Alternative Programs (jail diversion)

¥          Substance Abuse and Mental Disorders

¥          Emergency Operation Centers

¥          911 Center

¥          EMS/Ambulances

¥          Fire Department

¥          Traffic Management (ATMS ITS)

¥          Law Enforcement

Here are some examples of services that could be undertaken by the ”Sarasota-Manatee Public Safety Authority“ if it was created:

•        Provide radio communication for public safety providers in the region and governmental units

•        Provide a regional 911 center

•        Provide regional oversight of ATMS System coordinating our traffic signals

•        Provide regional emergency operations

•        Provide a regional response to public safety elements such as fire and ambulances. This would not force consolidation but would better manage service delivery at county boundaries.

•        Provide for jail diversion programs that could provide common programs in the 12th Judicial District

•        Provide a regional approach to jail management

•        Execution of coroner’s services

There are public safety elements in each county that would benefit from a regional effort. A regional approach could prevent duplication of services and create a uniform method to address public safety. A Regional Authority would save money and provide a regional planning approach. It is a concept worth consideration, not only for savings, but for public safety which is such a critical part of our quality of life.

Joe McClash

Manatee County Commissioner

District 7 (At-Large)

Click here to look at the draft by Commissioner McClash of a concept for such a joint effort.