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250 PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAM t � Law Enforcement (cont�nued) , regard to operation of the department, that emphasis next year would be toward information services, better utilization of ' personnel resources through training programs, and staffing of the patrol force to improve full-time manpower ava�labiltty on the street Discuss�on followed concerning the desirability of continuing the PRISM program under the Criminal Just�ce Council and sug- gestion that a representative might be invited to make a pre- sentation before Council, determination that the dispatcher for Public Works handles that assignment in addition to regular duties, that during other than regular hours, dispatching is done through the F�re Department, and that clerical people are currently util�zed in dispatching duties Mr. Fales indicated that a proposed ,7oint exercise of powers a9reement is being considered for all cities within San Mateo County with re9ard to the Criminal Justice Council PRISM program and research being con- ducted as to costs and operational feasibility He advised that before adoption of the Budget, that report will be brought to Council, which might be the appropriate time to inv�te their representative to make a presentation (Memo 5/15/77) Mr Fales commented on the fact that processing applications for police officers normally requ�res a longer period than the place- ment process for any other City position, so that three pos�tions have been added to compensate for turnover and so as to mainta�n adequate manpower ' Discuss�on followed relating to the possibility of utilizing public service off�cers to fill vacancies in the Department; the fact that such assignment would require outlay in terms of equipment; and that position does not have authorization to perform the same duties as sworn officers MOTION Councilman Norris moved that the three positions for Police Officer be f111ed as Public Service Off�cers Mr Fales commented on the inability to begin such a program by July 1, and that while there may be poss�bilities for long-term benefits in inaugurating new programs, im tial costs are high, citing communications as one example Reference had been made to the program in Scottsdale, Arizona, which he indicated is in a unique position to 6e innovative because of their resources, that there would be advantages, but to be realist�c, there is the problem of keeping the uniformed force up to standard Continued discussion related to the fact that crime prevention must be the ma�or consideration, explanation of dut�es involved in crime investigation, involving report writing, investigative time, court appearances wh�ch are all integral parts of the responsibiltties of the officers, and upon which successful prosecution of,criminal cases depends Areas where public service officers would be valuable were listed as in cases of non-in ur traffic accidents, abandone d automobiles and similar J Y I lower priority situations Ad Mt -3- � , J 9 5/14/77 Budget