Dearborn Police Capt. Andy Zelazny explains the key operational, financial and contractual issues associated with Dearborn Heights’ request to join the Dearborn United Dispatch Center.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – The Dearborn City Council will consider Dearborn Heights’ request to join the consolidated police dispatch center at its Feb. 23 council meeting, following a Feb. 16 mayor’s briefing discussion.
Dearborn Chief-of-Staff Mark Guido said at the Feb. 16 mayor’s briefing that a presentation was put together, at the city council’s request, explaining the operational, financial and contractual issues.
Dearborn Police Capt. Andy Zelazny said Dearborn Heights reached out to Dearborn last summer, indicating its desire to join the Dearborn United Dispatch Center.
“We looked at our operation, more than a year into it, the full consolidation with Westland, Wayne, Garden City and Inkster, along with our original member, Melvindale,” he said. “I looked at the entire operation, as well as some of the questions you had, and (Police) Chief (Ronald) Haddad and (Fire) Chief (Joe) Murray police and fire recommendations is to accept Dearborn Heights into the Dearborn United Dispatch Center.”
Zelazny said there are three key points which are beneficial to the city of Dearborn.
He said first, adding Dearborn Heights will optimize the efficiency of the dispatch center’s staffing levels, which he said will neutralize its cost to the city of Dearborn.
“As far as our staffing is concerned, I really believe the addition will really put us where we have to be,” Zelazny said.
Secondly, he said the impact on the public safety is the most important consideration.
“The ability to share information related to serial crimes will help reduce victimization and help increase public safety related to these offenses, that affect the entire region,” Zelazny said. “One thing we know in law enforcement is that crimes are mobile, and things that affect us in Dearborn affect our surrounding neighbors as well.”
Thirdly, he said that the police and fire chiefs from each of the United Dispatch Center cities support Dearborn Heights joining the consolidated dispatch.
“Their feedback really shows how this dispatch center has been effective,” Zelazny said. “On top of the state’s mandates of upgrading 911 response and equipment, it really does make the most efficient thing for all of our communities, and it really does enhance our regional public safety.”