Polk County hears proposal to study countywide centralized dispatch

Polk County Commissioners Court on July 8 received a report on a proposed countywide centralized dispatch system intended to improve communication among law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.

"Our key purpose for creating this within the county is to aid in, better communication between departments," said Kayla Hemphree, CID sergeant with the Polk County Sheriff's Department, who presented the committee's findings and next steps. Hemphree said Walker County operates a consolidated dispatch system and provided the committee with implementation lessons.

The committee recommended forming a working group with one representative from the county and from each municipality or agency that opts in. Staff will send letters asking local police departments, volunteer fire departments, EMS providers and municipalities to indicate whether they want to participate. If enough entities sign on, the court will appoint representatives to a formal committee to study site options, funding models and technical requirements.

Hemphree told the court that centralized dispatchers housed together reduce delays and streamline multi-unit responses during major events and natural disasters. The presentation noted some local entities remain hesitant but that early feedback from several fire departments and municipalities has been positive.

No formal vote or funding commitment was made during the July 8 meeting. The court asked staff to collect participation letters and return with a proposed committee membership and a scope of work for the court to consider.