Joint Emergency Communications (IFC + Amendment)

[Emily Gerrick]

Dear Colleagues,

With thanks to staff, Council, and community input, we’ve arrived at a proposed resolution and budget amendment to advance emergency communications at the City of Austin.

Resolution: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 184905.pdf
Amendment: http://assets.austintexas.gov/austincou ... 184939.pdf

These two actions would continue the work we began last year by establishing an Office of Joint Emergency Communications; allocating funds for initial staffing; and setting in motion a deliberate process to research best practices and create a stronger foundation for the City’s emergency response programs, including the proposed creation of a new department.

In particular, we provide the resources to achieve the programmatic improvements identified by the City’s consultant, including: reducing duplicate call transfers and triage questions; strengthening quality assurance; modernizing technology; expanding and updating performance measurements; improving coordination between 911 and 311; and changing the leadership structure so that it’s not just sworn APD leadership.

Our proposals do not transfer civilian call-takers out of APD, but rather commit the City to a deliberative process to explore all opportunities to improve emergency response, including creation of a new department.

We would welcome your support for this effort to improve safety and efficiency within the City government.

With respect,
CMs Siegel, Laine, Alter & Velasquez