Increase Staffing Levels in Dispatch Center

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 4, Okanogan County will use the grant award to improve the level of service offered by the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center by hiring three dispatchers and purchasing a dispatch workstation.

The Okanogan County Sheriff's Office will hire three dispatchers to provide 24-hour dispatch service at one dispatch station. The Sheriff's Office will also purchase and install an additional workstation to accommodate the new positions.

CA/NCF