Dispatch Transition 'Proven to be Prudent'
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has been providing police dispatch services for the past year. Officials presented an update at the city council meeting Tuesday night.
On January 3, 2012 the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office took over dispatch services for the Gulfport Police Department. The decision to contract services through the county was made by City Council as a cost-saving measure. In September 2011, the Gulfport City Council voted 3-2 to approve the FY2012 Operating Budget, which included a cost savings by hiring the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to provide dispatch services. According to city estimates, the city will save about $450,000 over the next two years by contracting with the county to dispatch local officers. On Tuesday night, Gulfport Police Lt. Josh Stone presented council with an update about the county's dispatch services and transition. As part of the transition, the department …
