Joint EMS/911 Dispatch Center Study

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Greenville County Government will use their FY 2010 Congressionally Mandate award to conduct a feasibility study focusing on two significant areas: (1) examining the need for a joint dispatch center for EMS and the Sheriff's Office which could include all Greenville County municipalities, and (2) examining the need to expand the crowded County Emergency Operations Center. The goal of the project is to determine the financial and logistical options available for inter-operability of Greenville County emergency communications that could decrease response times and best serve the needs of a growing population. A singular communications center could significantly reduce emergency response times by decreasing the number of times calls are transferred to appropriate service responders. This joint dispatch center could also potentially house an expanded Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which may be necessary due to Greenville City's growth around the current EOC location in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

NCA/NCF