Issue | Background | Findings | Conclusions | Recommendations | Responses | Attachments Consolidating Police

One opted for the police academy.

One did not meet the qualifications.

One found employment closer to home.

One took a position with higher pay, but later accepted transfer to MPPD. Menlo Park dispatchers worked longer hours, and temporary contract dispatchers were employed to maintain the level of customer service that existed before the merger. The response rate from “dispatch to arrival” on 911 calls remained the same as it was prior to consolidation--three to five minutes for both Menlo Park and San Carlos. The MPPD Communications Center was constructed with an expansion capability so it could accommodate the consolidation. Many backup systems are in place to minimize risks (e.g., power or communication failures) associated with consolidation. These backup measures include power generators, microwave communication systems, a complete Ham Radio Base Station and the ability to transfer calls to alternate dispatching centers. Conclusions Budget constraints on public safety agencies have forced communities to think of innovative ways to maintain a high level of service at reduced costs. The consolidation of Menlo Park and San Carlos Police Communications Center appears to be operating quite successfully in spite of staffing shortages. Staffing shortfalls occurred during the transition and have persisted, largely because the expected transfer of the four San Carlos dispatchers to become Menlo Park employees did not fully materialize. The resulting staffing shortage has required the hiring of temporary contract dispatchers and longer hours for Menlo Park dispatchers until staff levels return to normal. The unique qualities needed to qualify as a police dispatcher have led to constant demand for experienced dispatchers in a very difficult job market. Thus, the original requirement that all applicants be experienced police dispatchers had to be modified to include entry level applicants, who meet the other qualifications. The consolidation of MPPD and SCPD dispatch centers has allowed both communities to have access to a state-of-the-art communications system that greatly enhances the ability of the police dispatchers to serve a much larger geographical area and still maintain the former high level of service. In the process, the consolidation has been financially beneficial to both SCPD and MPPD. The Grand Jury believes the decision to consolidate by the San Carlos City Council and the Menlo Park City Council was correct. The law enforcement agencies of both cities and the Menlo Park Police dispatchers are to be commended.