Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
title
Ordinance 22-08, Public Hearing, Approve Amending Ch. 93, Fire Prevention of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port St. Lucie, by Creating Section 93.05, 911 Calls
body
Submitted By: John A. Bolduc, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie desires to update Chapter 93, Fire Prevention of the Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances to reduce the number of false requests for emergency assistance or similar misuse of the 911 central communications system occurring within the City, resulting in a waste of public resources.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the recommendation to amend Chapter 93 Code of Ordinance by creating Section 93.05, 911 Calls.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve amending Chapter 93 Code of Ordinance by creating Section 93.05, 911 Calls.
2. Move that the Council provide staff direction on amending Chapter 93 Code Ordinance regarding creating Section 93.05, 911 Calls.
Background: The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD), along with the Fire District and other law enforcement agencies, have been experiencing instances of “Misuse of the 911 system.” A “Misuse of the 911” system occurs when a request for emergency response by calling or sending a text message to 911 when no actual emergency or potential emergency exists and when the caller or message sender does not have a good faith basis to request emergency assistance. As well, a caller will hang up or no voice calls to 911 resulting from telephone systems, which require a dial out number. As a result of the “Misuse of 911,” the PSLPD would like to amend Chapter 93, by creating Section 93.05, 911 Calls.
Issues/Analysis: The amended ordinance will classify the 911 call into two categories: A. False 911 call, no emergency exists, or B: Valid 911 call for cause designated. If a false call exists, a fine shall be imposed during a rolling twelve-month period. If an individual incurs a false 911 call fine, they will be afforded the opportunity to appeal the assessment by filing a written appeal to the City’s designated 911 Call Administrator within fourteen (14) calendar days of the infraction. The City’s Special Magistrate shall serve as the Hearing Officer over the appeal.
The PSLPD’s goal is to ensure the citizens of Port St. Lucie take the appropriate measures to reduce false calls to 911, and not waste the City’s valuable resources.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. False 911 Calls Ordinance
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 4108
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Lee J. Baggett, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.