Bureau of Support Services

The Bureau of Support Services maintains and provides the following:

Police Communications
Police Records
Computer Information Services
Animal Control Services
Logistical Support
Recruitment of Personnel
Budget Administration
Personnel In-service Training
Health and Sanitation

Six full time and four part time civilians staff the Communications Division. The dispatchers are the first link with the citizen when a call for service is received. The dispatcher's duties seem endless. They answer telephone requests for police services, and process officer's requests for information about vehicles, suspects, license checks, record/wanted checks, and stolen property checks. They must be data processing specialists in all phases of police work.

Many times, the immediate actions taken by a dispatcher could be the determining factor in life and death situations. They become the crucial link between the victim and necessary aid. Especially in obtaining critical information required to dispatch police, fire, and paramedic personnel and equipment in an emergency situation. It becomes equally paramount when a police officer's life rests upon the actions a dispatcher takes or overlooks because of the pressure of a particular situation. These are most prevalent in domestic disturbances, street or bar room disturbances, or while attempting to apprehend armed criminal suspect.

The police department employs the use of the 911 EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM. This system is available to any citizen within the City. The use of 911 is to report emergency illness and injury, crimes in progress, to report fires, and other life and death or immediate threat to property situations. Non-emergency use of 911 can deprive a person in a real emergency access because the lines are busy.

The police records room personnel process all police documents. The records clerks utilize the in-house computer system to store much of the data contained in a report for more efficient data retrieval. The report is then filed for later use. The reports are, also, available to be copied and provided to insurance companies and/or persons involved an incident. The in-house computer system is used for other purposes, as well. Traffic accident and crime analysis is greatly enhanced because of near instant data retrieval and information processing capabilities.

The Bureau, also, provides all logistical support for the department. All purchasing of supplies, equipment, and related services are controlled by the Bureau of Support Services.

The Bureau Commander is responsible for recruitment of personnel and the promotional selection process. The entire process is coordinated by the Commander prior to submission to the Board of Police Commissioners and the Chief of Police.

Computer assisted in-service training continued in 2002. Each officer participates in a computerized lesson and testing program relating to the most recent Supreme Court decisions regarding police procedures and policies. A new lesson is presented each month and affords each officer a means of keeping abreast of those decisions affecting police work.

The Animal Control Unit continues to be staffed by two civilian officers. These officers possess the power to issue summons to Municipal Court to answer for violations of the Municipal Code concerning the care and keeping of animals. The unit is equipped with a specially fitted pickup truck for the collection and transportation of animals. Service is provided between 6:00AM and 9:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 9:00AM to 5:00PM Friday through Monday. This provides coverage seven days a week. The Unit is responsible to enforce City ordinances as they pertain to animal control, barking and at large nuisances, bite cases, and disease control. These officers operate and maintain the animal shelter located at the rear of the Public Works complex.

During the calendar year 2002, the Animal Control Unit answered 757 calls from citizens regarding animal complaints. 126 animals were confined. These animals were either seen or reported causing a nuisance running at large on the streets and on private property. The unit has effective ordinances and laws available to them in dealing with dangerous or vicious animals.

As well as those duties described previously, the Animal Control officers assist the City Clerk in the notification and enforcement of animal licensing regulations. A rabies vaccination clinic is conducted with the succor of local veterinarian clinics annually. Citizens are afforded the opportunity to have their pets vaccinated at a nominal cost at these clinics.