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extremely beneficial to the department and additional crime prevention efforts are <br />planned in the future. <br />Chapter 6 ANALYSIS OF SERVICES DIVISION <br />The Services function of the department is Commanded by a Lieutenant <br />which reports directly to the Assistant Chief. This Lieutenant commands the <br />Emergency Communications operation, Records, Warrant Service, Property and <br />Evidence as well as the Animal Control function. <br />Communications <br />The Emergency Communications or Dispatch operation is staffed with 13 <br />non-sworn dispatchers. This is a sufficient number to operate a 24 hour, seven <br />day a week facility. The busiest periods are staffed with three to four dispatchers <br />but there are times when only two dispatchers are on-duty. This is not unusual <br />for smaller cities and the field supervisor on-duty during these periods is aware <br />they may need to assist if unusual incidents occur. <br />The communications function is responsible for answering all 911 <br />emergency calls originating in Lamar County and dispatching police, fire, <br />emergency medical and Animal Control units. The operation is managed by the <br />Police Department but is also responsible for the dispatching of Fire Departments <br />and Emergency Medical Services throughout the County. The communications <br />officers are also responsible for ensuring the safety of officers and fire fighters by <br />maintaining open communications with them in the field. Other duties include <br />answering the non-emergency telephone number for the police department and <br />forwarding the caller to the appropriate person as well as serving as the <br />answering point for all city services after normal work hours. They also monitor <br />prisoners in the jail and respond to individuals who come to the station for <br />assistance. It is a very busy and responsible position. <br />Page 39 <br />