Whereas, public safety services have been operating with fewer budgeted resources than requested, and in some cases, at levels less than authorized for several years; and

Whereas, public safety services employees have been working regularly scheduled overtime shifts in order to provide required service levels within the resource constraints placed upon them; and

Whereas, public safety services are having difficulty attracting, recruiting and retaining qualified employees to maintain a stable and adequately-staffed workforce.

Be it resolved, by the Arlington County Civic Federation that all concerned organizations -- governmental, private and advisory (e.g., the Emergency Medical Services Council) � are strongly encouraged to adopt solutions that will ensure that all of Arlington County�s public safety departments meet minimum national staffing standards and have the equipment necessary to meet the County�s emergency service needs; and

Further, that the Arlington County Civic Federation urges the Arlington County Board expand the charter of the Emergency Medical Services Council to include review of the entire range of Fire Department Services and include the functions of the Emergency Communications Center; and

Further, that the Arlington County Civic Federation recommends the County Board develop, maintain and adhere to a specific long-term investment plan that will ensure the community's public safety needs are well-preserved into the future.

This page was last revised on: December 28, 2003.