Council adopts Safety and Security Policy, directs fire chief to manage Active911 access

The East Bethel City Council on Feb. 24 adopted a citywide Safety and Security Policy that includes provisions addressing access to Active911 and related apps used for emergency notifications.

Council members raised concerns about how former employees or retirees would be removed from the app and what controls exist to prevent unauthorized access. City Administrator Matt and other staff described the process by which phone numbers and device types are submitted to an app administrator and said the fire chief would have responsibility for removing individuals from the Active911 list.

Council members noted PulsePoint as an alternative app that provides more limited information and does not include the more detailed personal data visible in Active911. The council discussed the liability risk if personal information is disseminated through Active911 and the need for managers to monitor access lists.

After those remarks, a councilmember moved to approve the Safety and Security Policy, a second was recorded and the motion carried by voice vote. The adopted policy identifies the fire chief as the primary point of control for Active911 access; staff said the department can remove names from the list when employees leave the organization.

Council also directed staff to communicate procedures for removal and monitoring of app access to relevant department managers. The policy takes effect immediately upon adoption.