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Aiken council hears calls for and against splitting public safety functions; no formal action taken
Summary
Council members and residents discussed whether Aiken should separate its combined public safety department into distinct police and fire departments. City staff and council members said the department is accredited and performing well; some public commenters urged retaining the combined model while others sought empirical review. Council did not
The Aiken City Council on March 24 held an extended discussion about whether to pursue a formal study to determine if the city's combined public safety department should be reorganized into separate police and fire departments. Council did not take a binding vote directing a study during the meeting.
Lede: City staff and council members said they had not received widespread complaints about the combined public safety model and pointed to accreditation and staffing measures that suggest the existing arrangement is performing. Several council members urged that, if a study is needed, it should be driven by the city manager and chief and be based on empirical data rather than anecdote.
Nut graf: The discussion followed public comment and…
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