NCJ Number
213541
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 73 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 24-27
Date Published
March 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the emergency-services model of collaboration and cooperation used by the White Plains Department of Public Safety (New York), under which the police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) are coordinated by a single commissioner.
Abstract
In 1997, White Plains combined police, fire, and EMS communications, which has facilitated the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies in responding to emergencies. In the months following September 11, the department renewed efforts to integrate police, fire, and EMS operations. CompStat meetings are a central feature of this effort. Chaired by the public safety commissioner and attended by senior police and fire commanders, these meetings consist of the presentation of performance data and a review of operations. Each commander is required to identify critical issues, emerging patterns, and solutions to problems. The Department of Public Safety has adopted an "all-hazards" approach to emergency preparedness, recognizing that although a specialized capacity is required to counter terrorism, it is but one of many large-scale emergencies that can threaten residents' safety. Under White Plans' public safety model, building relationships with other local, county, State, and Federal agencies; public health officials; the private sector; and the community have strengthened the department's ability to prevent, respond to, and mitigate crisis events.