(1180) Communications Division

To partner with Santa Cruz Regional 911 Center to ensure calls-for-service are dispatched clearly and efficiently.  To coordinate and manage the infrastructure, assets, and resources associated with radio system.  To guide both Public Safety and non-emergency agencies in the coordinated use of the system as they respond to the needs of the public and to assist them in addressing their interoperable communication needs.

The Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency for all “communications systems” in the county of San Benito.  This division goes back to the days when we housed our own dispatch center.  The primary center was moved to Santa Cruz Regional 911 (SCR911) many years ago.  However, our office still maintains a critical “backup” dispatch center or PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point).  This PSAP is a vital part of the 9-1-1 system.  One part of our Communications Division (Budget) is the position of CLETS Administrator (California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System).  CLETS is a high-speed message switching system that allows for communication from our county, to the other 57 counties.  It also connects us to the rest of the United States and most of Canada through NLETS (National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System).  Without these vital links, 9-1-1 would not operate and we could not access databases throughout the state, nation and Canada.

• Open dialogue continues to resolve radio issues

• Completing PSAP move
• Radio system functionality
• Lack of full-time staff to enter restraining orders into CLETS

• Modernize radio system to include capability to simulcast
• Install mini-repeaters throughout areas of the county
• Turn radio system infrastructure over to Public Works or OES

• Technology
• Healthy & Safe Communities