The Sparks Police Department has signed a contract with Tiburon Inc. (now Tri-Tech) to provide the City with the same dispatch CAD/RMS system that is currently in use by the City of Reno and Washoe County. This move to a different CAD/RMS system has required the City of Sparks to build a set of GIS data that is required by Tri-Tech, not only for City of Sparks' use but as a part of the regional effort with the City of Reno and Washoe County. This GIS Information primarily is utilized for the accurate dispatching of Police, Fire and EMS services within the City of Sparks. The complexity involved in creating this data requires significant training and skill sets that are beyond the current staff of the Police Department. This position would support the regional E911 dispatch system, provide for direct assistance with the Sparks Communications Center and support the Fire Department's mapping capabilities. Initially, this position was filled in October 2015, and so far, the E911 Emergency Response Advisory Committee has funded it through July 2017.

The City of Sparks has historically provided GIS services to the Police and Fire Departments through the Community Services Division. Due to the funding source and workload of the City's GIS personnel, additional assistance for the Police and Fire Departments have not been able to meet the full needs of the Departments. With a full-time GIS Specialist, the proper amount of dedication and resource allocation can be made to provide for the public safety needs of the City.

The 911 Emergency Response Advisory Committee will allocate the funds annually; the City could fund this position out of the general fund or could eliminate the position. 

I move to accept the funding of a Geographic Technology Specialist I/II - GIS for Police and Fire Services from the 911 Emergency Response Advisory Committee.