Hailey Heseltine
ECB Publishing, Inc.
About two years ago, a program was implemented by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO). This program is the Jefferson County Sherrif's Office Business Building Identification Program, designed to give business owners peace of mind by allowing them an easy way for their businesses to be quickly identified by law enforcement in case of an emergency. This program is based on the JSCO Ag Watch Program, so that business contacts are available after hours.
Participating businesses receive a sticker with a specific number to put on their building window. In connection with the number, a contact sheet must be filled with at least three emergency contacts, their addresses, and their phone numbers, so that they can be reached quickly. Businesses must also list any hazardous materials that may be on the property or any other special circumstances. This information will then be used by law enforcement and first responders in the event of an emergency; having detailed information about hazardous materials and special needs allows the dispatcher the opportunity to provide responding agencies the appropriate information before they arrive on the scene. This informations is available digitally in the JSCO Data Base and physically in paper copies to ensure it can always be accessed by the responders.
Lt. Don Barfield, who orignally started the program, summed up how the program works in simple words: “When a law enforcement officer is conducting a business check and discovers a problem at the building, the officer can call JCSO dispatch and give the building identification number. Dispatch will be able to search the data base and retrieve the contact information and call the first contact and if necessary, and continue down the list until there is a response.”
In the event of an emergency at a business that is a part of the program, the caller may give the identification number to dispatch, so they are able to retrieve the contact information and see if there any special needs or hazardous materials listed. If so, this gives dispatch the chance to send the proper emergency services. All information that is provided to JCSO is private and will not be shared with the public. This program can be modified to serve the needs of businesses better. Additionally, if your current business has an indentification sticker but has recently changed hands, ensure that all your information is still accurate. To add your business to the program or to update your information, please contact MSgt. Chris Eades by calling (850) 997-2523.
You must be logged in to post a comment.