Galveston Considers Merging Police Dispatch with County Sheriff’s Office

City officials are evaluating a plan to merge the 911 dispatch center of the Galveston Police Department with the dispatch operations of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office. While the community has expressed concerns about safety and job security, officials believe this initiative could potentially alleviate staffing shortages.

City Manager Brian Maxwell stated on Wednesday that discussions have been ongoing among the city, county, and emergency communications district regarding potential methods to consolidate dispatch operations, a topic that has been addressed by the last four sheriffs.

Maxwell highlighted that both dispatch centers currently operate from the same location and are moving toward a unified software system. He mentioned that both departments are facing challenges in staffing dispatcher roles, resulting in considerable overtime hours.

“Is there a possibility for savings?” “Hiring and retaining dispatchers has been a challenge for both of us,” Maxwell stated. “Due to being short-staffed and the high volume of calls we receive, our dispatchers are logging a significant amount of overtime.”

Maxwell and Police Chief Doug Balli highlighted that the proposal is still in its initial phases, but they concurred that ensuring public safety is the foremost concern. “I believe it’s essential for the communications center to be equipped to handle the overwhelming volume of our service calls,” Balli stated.

Anthony Rogers, president of the Galveston Municipal Police Association, expressed his support for continued dialogue while emphasizing the need to ensure the protection of the city’s 11 police dispatchers in the event of a merger.

“This is how they make a living,” Rogers stated. “Our team includes individuals who have been dispatching here for over twenty years.” This is everything they’ve experienced.

Maxwell indicated that matters related to staff—including compensation, seniority, and transfers—will play a pivotal role in any discussions. “A key aspect of the conversation must focus on the future of our personnel, including their compensation and the possibility of lateral transfers,” he stated.

Dr. Greg Fremin, a former captain with the Houston Police Department, noted that the process of merging dispatch centers can be quite intricate. “When attempting to improve things, caution is essential when realigning a dispatch system, as everything is already established,” he stated. “The influx of service requests continues unabated.”

The proposal needs to be approved by both the Galveston City Council and the Galveston County Commissioners Court. Although a timeline remains unspecified, Maxwell indicated that city officials are optimistic about progressing by early next year, contingent upon the approval of the merger.