Overview The Courthouses Sussex County is home to two courthouses—the Sussex County Judicial Center and the historic courthouse. Both buildings are in Newton and each is a stone’s throw away from the other. Judicial Center The Sussex County Judicial Center, opened in 1992, is the main courthouse and located at 43-47 High Street. This is the location of most Superior Court criminal, family and civil matters and where court documents such as motion and filings are obtained. The building is flanked to the south by a public parking complex which serves the main entrance off High Street. Historic Courthouse The “Historic Courthouse” as it is known, is located at 3 High Street and sits prominently on the corner of High and Spring streets overlooking the Square in Newton. This Department of Interior National Registered Historic site is occupied by the Sussex County Surrogates Office and utilized on occasion by the Sussex County Prosecutors office. Some Civil cases are heard in a Courtroom also located here. Security procedures are equally in place and access is available via the High Street entrance. Parking Parking for both locations is available and free at the multi-story parking garage at the Sussex County Judicial Center. If you have an appointment at the Surrogate’s Office, you may park in the designated reserved spots located behind the historic courthouse. Courthouse Security Screening Process All courthouse visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their bags run through an x-ray machine. No weapons, knives, sharp objects or any objects deemed unsafe by sheriff’s officers are allowed into the courthouse. This includes everyday items such as nail files, scissors, knitting needles and pocket knives. If in doubt about something you are carrying with you, please leave it in your vehicle or at home; sheriff’s officers cannot hold onto your items on your behalf while you are in the courthouse. Additionally, no cameras or recording devices are allowed in the courthouse without permission from a Superior Court judge. The courthouses open to the public at 8:30 a.m. Generally speaking, the initial rush of people can sometimes result in a longer wait to enter the facilities. Please plan accordingly to ensure that you make it to your appointment or hearing in time.

OPRA New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) provides procedures for the public (the “requestor”) to review or copy government records. The following is a summary of these procedures and guidelines for requesting records. OPRA applies to requests for records, not requests for isolated facts therefore, a requestor must determine which records he or she wishes to see or copy. The requestor must then file a records request with the Custodian of Records. This is accomplished by completing a form available at the sheriff’s office. For your convenience, we have also made the form available below. Fees (payable by cash, check or money order): Letter size pages: $0.05 per page Legal size pages: $0.07 per page Other materials (CD, DVD, etc.): actual cost You may be required to provide a deposit against costs for reproducing documents when a request for copies exceeds $25.00. The custodian will contact you and advise you of any deposit requirements. Some government records are not available for public inspection or copying. A list of the two dozen specific types of records that are exempt from disclosure may be viewed at the state’s OPRA web site . Under OPRA, a custodian must deny access to a person who has been convicted of an indictable offense in the United States, and who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person’s victim or the victim’s family. You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt operations and the custodian is unable to reach a reasonable solution with you. If the sheriff’s office is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on the request form or other written correspondence and send you a signed and dated copy. Download the Open Public Records Act Request form To view and complete the form, you will need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer, version 7 or higher. This fillable form may be filled out on your computer and saved to your hard drive and/or printed out. The completed form must be returned to: Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti, Custodian of Records Sussex County Sheriff’s Office 39 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 FAX: 973.579.7884 E-Mail: OPRA@sussexcountysheriff.com

Administration Mission Statement The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office dedicates itself to protecting the life and property of the citizens of the county, providing primary and support services to all law enforcement agencies, along with maintaining traditional sheriff’s services. The office recognizes that the ability to successfully complete this mission is based on mutual respect and responsibility, shared by all agencies, and most importantly the citizens it serves. As professionals, we are duty bound to enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority, and at all times, protecting the constitutional rights of all persons. Sheriff Michael F. Strada Sheriff Mike Strada , who has been involved in public service all his life, is serving his fifth three-year term as Sussex County Sheriff. Sheriff Strada served in the Army for four years as a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and served in both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. While in the military, he was an explosives expert and assigned to a Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his military career, he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Army Achievement Medal. After being honorably discharged from the military, Sheriff Strada went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In 1995, Sheriff Strada joined the Mt. Olive Township Police Department and was assigned to the Patrol Division where he served for ten years. In 2005, he moved up to the Investigations Division where he served as a detective for the duration of his tenure with Mt. Olive. Over the course of his career with Mt. Olive, Strada was the recipient of numerous departmental awards including the Morris County 200 Club 2001 Valor Award, three lifesaving awards, four honorable service awards, three meritorious service awards, an educational achievement award and a military service award. Sheriff Strada has a master’s degree, from Fairleigh Dickinson, in administration. Law enforcement certifications and training include FBI Police Supervision and Management, Northeast Counterdrug Training Center: Leadership and Mastering Performance Management, Supervision Principles, Police Supervision, and Organizational Leadership. In addition to being a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Executive Leadership Program at the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI), he is also a certified field training officer and police academy instructor. Sheriff Strada is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leadership Program. Sheriff Strada has served as President of the Sheriffs’ Association of New Jersey and is a member of Newton VFW Post 5360, Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Branchville American Legion Post 157, New Jersey Italian American Police Officers Association, New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Sussex County Chiefs of Police Association and FBI National Academy Associates. Special Services Unit Undersheriff John Schanstra Undersheriff John Schanstra , a lifelong resident of Sussex County, graduated from Sparta High School and from County College of Morris with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, also from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s of administrative sciences degree. In 1988, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Police Academy as part of the 188th class. During his 25-year career as a police officer with the Borough of Ogdensburg and the Township of Sparta, he started his career as a patrolman, Undersheriff Schanstra, after being promoted to detective served in the Investigative Unit of the Sparta Police handling criminal and administrative investigations. Undersheriff Schanstra was assigned as the liaison with the Middle Atlantic - Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network for the purpose of analysis and dissemination of criminal intelligence. Undersheriff Schanstra was promoted to detective sergeant and took command of the investigative unit of the Sparta Police Department overseeing all investigations and the oversight of schools security of the district along with Sparta Pope John and Vo-Tech High School. Undersheriff Schanstra was sworn in as a deputy United States marshal and assisted the United States Marshal Service Joint Fugitive Task Force in the apprehension of violent criminals in the tri-state area. During his career as a police officer, Undersheriff Schanstra served for six years as the president of the Sussex County Detectives Association. His awards include the Sussex County Detective of the Year, police officer of the year award which was present by the Sparta Kiwanis along with numerous meritorious services awards. Undersheriff Schanstra was hired by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as the director of internal affairs prior to being promoted to undersheriff of Special Services Unit. This unit includes Internal Affairs, K-9, Detective and Cops Unit of the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. Besides his master’s degree in administrative science, Undersheriff Schanstra holds the position of adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College where he teaches criminal investigation at night. Undersheriff Schanstra is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #26 and the Interstate Law Enforcement Officers Association. Civil Process Unit Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti moved to Sussex County at a very young age and graduated from Port Jervis High School. He attended Sussex County Community College and then Montclair University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. In 1995, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in the 115th academy class and assigned badge #5237. He continued his studies at Seton Hall University graduating with a master of arts in human resources. During his nearly 26-year career with the New Jersey State Police, Undersheriff Avenatti began as a road trooper serving at Totowa-Sub, Washington, Sussex, Netcong and Hope stations. He served in the Special Operations Section as a commercial vehicle inspector eventually becoming part of a criminal interdiction team. He also was a member of the ceremonial Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold for several years. In 2016, Avenatti was promoted to sgt. first class and assigned to the Garden State Parkway, Bloomfield Station, Troop D, Field Operations Section as the assistant station commander for two years. He transferred to Troop B headquarters and served on the Troop B command staff until he was transferred to Sussex station. There he was promoted to lieutenant/station commander in 2018 where he finished his New Jersey State Police career. During his career with the state police, Avenatti served as an instructor in riot control for the Urban Area Security Initiative, assigned to Washington, DC for two presidential inaugurations, was an armorer for several weapons platforms utilized by the state police as well as a firearms instructor. He received the Franklin E. Sigler Award for Heroism from the Newton VFW Post along with other members of his squad and a Certificate of Unit Commendation for assisting with a large seizure of contraband. Undersheriff Avenatti is an associate member of the New Jersey State Police Superior Officers Association, a member of Newark FOP Lodge #12 and the Former Troopers Association.

Links Sussex County Links Sussex County Official Website Sussex County Prosecutor's Office Morris/Sussex Vicinage Police Department Web Site New Jersey State Police Andover Township Police Department Byram Police Department Hamburg Police Department Hardyston Police Depart Hopatcong Police Department Newton Police Department Ogdensburg Police Department New Jersey Links State of New Jersey Web Site New Jersey Judiciary’s Jury Duty Information New Jersey Crime Statistics New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry New Jersey Dept. of Corrections New Jersey Dept. of Corrections Offender Search New Jersey’s AMBER Alert Plan New Jersey Press Association Online Public Notices

CERT Join the Sussex County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and become better prepared to respond to emergency situations right here in your own community. Members of Sussex County’s CERT give critical support to first responders in emergencies, provide immediate assistance to victims, organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site, and collect disaster intelligence to support first responder efforts. CERT members receive training in the following areas: disaster preparedness disaster fire suppression medical operations light search and rescue operations disaster psychology and team organization terrorism and CERT disaster simulation Total basic training is usually about 24 hours, scheduled in 2-1/2 hour modules over a period of weeks. Training courses, materials and equipment are provided free of charge. To become a CERT member, you must be at least 18 years of age. For more information, contact CERT coordinator Eric Muller at 973.579.0380, ext. 2536. New Jersey Office of Emergency Management CERT web site »

Community Programs Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers is a program designed to encourage cooperation between citizens and the law enforcement community . Wanted List See the complete list of Sussex County's Wanted Pr oject Lifesaver The Project Lifesaver program provides assistance to residents who are primary caregivers for an individual with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments. Community Alerts Sussex County residents are encouraged to register their phone numbers with the Swift911 program. Another program, Register Ready, should be utilized by people who have disabilities which might interfere with their ability to safely evacuate in the case of an emergency. Community Programs The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s goals in offering our community programs are to reduce the criminal victimization of all of our residents, especially senior citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services. These programs provide the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement and the community. L.E.A.D. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office L.E.A.D. program offers substance abuse education to the youth of Sussex County in conjunction with area school districts. CERT The Community Emergency Response Team is made up of volunteers who give critical support to first responders in emergencies and provide immediate assistance to victims.

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Courthouse Security Overview The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office oversees the general security of the courthouse complex to ensure the orderly, peaceful and safe conduct of court business. Attorney ID Cards Find out about our attorney identification card program, designed to expedite attorney access into the Sussex County Judicial Center. Directions/Map Directions and map to the Sussex County Judicial Center, located at 43-47 High Street in Newton.

Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff: Keith Armstrong The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. The units which comprise the bureau are described in more detail below. Bureau of Law Enforcement Units Canine Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three working K-9 teams. Each team consists of an officer and a canine which has been specially trained and certified in accordance with guidelines established by the New Jersey Attorney General. K-9 teams are deployed to perform duties such as search and rescue, narcotic and explosive detection, criminal apprehension, evidence recovery, building searches and tracking. The teams are also utilized to prevent the introduction of contraband into the judicial center and the jail. Civil Process Unit The Civil Process Unit carries out the sheriff’s statutory responsibility for the service of process. These legal documents originate from the courts, government agencies and private attorneys and include summons, subpoenas and various writs. The unit is also responsible for the enforcement of court orders such as wage garnishments, evictions, levies and sheriff’s sales . Communications Center The Communications Center provides 24-hour radio communication for the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Corrections, Division of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal. It also handles calls after-hours for a number of Sussex County agencies including the road department, health department, prosecutor’s office, HAZ-MAT and medical examiner’s office. Additionally, personnel monitor security cameras and building access points throughout the Sussex County Judicial Center, dispatch personnel, answer phone inquiries from the public and conduct records searches utilizing databases from the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV), NJ Wanted Persons System (NJWPS) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Courts and Transportation Unit The Courts and Transportation Unit is responsible for providing security and maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and employees within the Sussex County Judicial Center. Personnel in this unit also handle the transportation and monitoring of inmates to court and other institutions/jurisdictions statewide. Internal Affairs Unit The function of the Internal Affairs Unit is to ensure that all members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office act in accordance with office policies, rules and regulations. All complaints are thoroughly investigated in a fair and impartial manner by a specially trained investigator. Upon completion of an investigation, a confidential report is turned over to the sheriff for his review and disposition. If the investigation shows that a crime may have been committed, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office will be notified. If the investigation finds that a complaint is unfounded, the matter will be closed. Search and Rescue Unit With eight state and federal parks and 15,000 acres of wildlife management areas, Sussex County’s 536 square miles offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities. As a consequence, the potential for outdoor emergencies and the need for a rapid response is equally abundant. The Search and Rescue Unit has the skilled personnel and the necessary equipment to launch an effective, rapid and safe search and rescue mission at any time of the day or night, in any type of weather. Traffic Unit The Traffic Unit assists in the enforcement of motor vehicle laws, primarily in Sussex County towns that do not have their own municipal police agencies. Warrant Unit The Warrant Unit is responsible for carrying out criminal investigations and overseeing the execution of Superior Court warrants. These types of warrants include, but are not limited to, violations of probation, non-support failures to obey, failures to appear as well as civil arrest warrants.

Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the care, custody and control of all inmates who have been committed to incarceration on Sussex County matters. The Bureau of Corrections has maintained compliance with the standards prescribed by the state for adult county correctional facilities. In the fall of 2019, Sussex County and Morris County entered into a shared service agreement allowing for all Sussex County inmates to be housed at the Morris County Correctional Facility. The Sussex County Bureau of Corrections personnel supervise inmates during transports for admission at the Morris County Correctional Facility, court hearings and medical appointments. The Bureau of Corrections also oversees the SLAP Program, available to certain persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment in which the beneficiaries are local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) provides a safe alternative to incarceration for individuals sentenced for non-violent offenses. In lieu of serving time in jail, SLAP program participants perform a wide range of community service throughout Sussex County under the supervision of sheriff’s officers on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

About Administration Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Strada, the sheriff’s office provides numerous services to the citizens and local police agencies of Sussex County. Professional Standards It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency employee. Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the custody and care of incarcerated persons. Bureau of Law Enforcement The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. Communications Center The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. Emergency Management The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the efforts of police, fire, EMS, public works, public health and a myriad of volunteer organizations during emergencies. Fire Marshal The fire marshal supports and facilitates the safety of the general public through fire safety education, supporting fire safety legislation and fire prevention education programs to minimize the loss of property and life. Employment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office hires employees based on the results of an open competitive law enforcement entry level examination given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Sheriff’s Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office came into existence in 1753 and for well over 200 years now, has steadfastly remained committed to serving the residents of Sussex County. .

Communications Center Director: Eric Muller The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center came online in 1990 as a two dispatch position center and has evolved over the years to become a ten dispatch position, capable of serving as a single point Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all of Sussex County. Now located on county-owned property in Frankford Township, the facility answered its first 9-1-1 call on December 16, 2014 at 2:24 p.m. reporting a residential smoke condition in Hampton Township. The communications center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. The center currently serves thirteen local municipalities with 911 answering/emergency dispatch service: Branchville Borough Byram Township Frankford Township Fredon Township Green Township Hampton Township Lafayette Township Montague Township Sandyston Township Stillwater Township Sussex Borough Walpack Township Wantage Township HISTORY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center came online in 1990 to facilitate coordination of the various duties and responsibilities of sheriff’s personnel and to improve measures to ensure the safety of its members. The two dispatch position center supported the sheriff’s officers in carrying out their official tasks daily and during the evening hours. Some of those measures included establishing regular radio communications between: sheriff’s officers and corrections personnel moving inmates to and from court appearances sheriff’s officers in the field serving various civil processes sheriff’s officers in the field serving domestic violence restraining orders and carrying out court ordered evictions sheriff’s personnel and other agencies delivering mutual aid assistance when requested In 1995, the communications center began to staff and run the operation continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The new operation consolidated the sheriff’s dispatch and public works dispatch operations as an effort to more efficiently manage the responsibilities involving emergencies supported by county based services. It also relieved the county corrections facility, the only 24-hour manned operation, from duties outside the scope of normal corrections responsibilities. The center was staffed with 5 dispatchers per day (2 day shift, 2 afternoon, 1 midnight) and those additional tasks included but not were not limited to: Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Sussex County Fire Marshal Sussex County HazMat Team Sussex County Medical Examiner’s Office Sussex County Department of Public Works Sussex County Facilities Management Sussex County Health Department Sussex County Office of Emergency Management With the new millennium upon us, the state of New Jersey continued to encourage the consolidation of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in the interests of efficiency and economy. There were also technology changes being introduced. The Next Generation 911 (NG9-1-1) was announced as the replacement to the current Enhanced 9-1-1 system and discussions were held relating to the financial impacts to the PSAPs. Consolidation studies funded by the state by RCC Consultants (2000) and the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development/Bloustein School/Rutgers (2006) both concluded with recommendations to consolidate PSAPs for the purpose of improved service and economy. [New Jersey 911 Consolidation Study, October 2006] In April 2006 the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a contract to RCC Associates to conduct a PSAP consolidation feasibility study for Sussex County . The study focused on analyzing the benefits of consolidating the six PSAPs in Sussex County into one or more countywide PSAPs. RCC delivered its findings and recommendations in a report to the freeholder board in June 2007 recommending consolidation to a single PSAP. In January 2008, the freeholders established the Sussex County 9-1-1 Telecommunications Working Group (TWG) to further the conclusions drawn from the RCC study and to gauge the public interest and support in consolidating the PSAPs into one center. [2008 freeholder resolution establishing TWG] In August 2008 the county received a grant through the New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services in the amount of $220,000.00 for the “PSAP Consolidation to Regionalization Project.” [Sussex County 2008 news article] Using that grant, the freeholders commissioned Kimball & Associates in February 2009 to expand upon the previous consolidation studies and recommendations, and develop guidance and support for the planning and implementation of a countywide consolidated PSAP. The planning guide for PSAP consolidation was delivered to the county freeholder board in February 2010. [Kimball & Associates Consolidation Planning Guide] In a report by the TWG, a motion was made and unanimously carried that “The Sussex County Telecommunications Working Group recommends to the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders the findings of the report of L. Robert Kimball and Associates dated February 2010 and specifically recommends the consolidation of the six current public safety answering points into one county-administered and operated central 9-1-1 center in all respects.” [2010 TWG recommendation] In 2012, the sheriff and the freeholders broke ground on the construction of a ten position stand-alone communications center on county owned property in Frankford Township. The project sought to consolidate an ongoing sheriff’s capital project plan to refurbish the existing 20-year old sheriff’s dispatch center with the TWG recommendations, local emergency service interests and resolution support by officials from local municipalities to consolidate local emergency dispatch services. [Sandyston Township solution] This dispatch center was purposely designed to continue supporting the regular duties and responsibilities of the sheriff’s office. It would also be capable of answering emergency 911 calls and dispatching emergency services for the entire county. [County fire chiefs association letter] FACILITIES The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center was designed and constructed to be able to serve as a single point Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) serving all of Sussex County. The center was built as an addition to the existing emergency operating center in Frankford Township to be in compliance with federal and state construction standards, which include minimizing the potential for threats from natural or human sources. The center is located on a secured site and is continuously monitored through alarms systems and video surveillance. Ten 911 console positions are located on the main communications floor. Positions are staffed to meet the demands of the services that are requested, but a minimum of 2 public safety telecommunicators (PST) are staffed continuously. All data, radio, telephone and other electronic systems are supported by a number of robust redundancy measures to ensure the services can continued to be provided when normal service resources are interrupted. By original design, the communications center is supported by a backup facility, often referred to as a “hot site.” The backup site serves as a redundant communications site to the center located in Frankford Township. Real time synchronization between the two sites is used to completely mirror the environment of the main communications site in Frankford using wide area network links and specialized software. In the event of a disruption to the main Frankford site, personnel can relocate to this hot site and resume operations with minimal downtime. In lessons learned from 9/11, this hot site provides for complete redundant emergency communications capabilities from a geographically different location. The communications center provides reliable professional services, supported by a robust communications plan that provides the following capabilities: Facility designed and constructed to be earthquake and hurricane proof (NENA standard). Adjacent to fully functioning emergency operations center with 14 fully functional emergency services activation positions. Two redundant emergency building power generators, each using a different fuel source—diesel and natural gas. In addition to generator support, UPS battery backup on all critical electronic components. 911 communications center designed and built with ten individual dispatch positions, able to accommodate the entire county 911 call taking and dispatching needs. “Hot” backup remote center at sheriff’s office with three individual dispatch positions that mirror those at the main 911 communication site. Equipped with eight 911 trunks directed between the main 911 communications site and the hot backup site, effectively eliminating a single point of failure. 911 systems supported by three geo-diverse servers—two at the main 911 center in the event one server fails and the third located at the sheriff’s office hot backup site in the event the main 911 communications center experiences a total 911 server failure. Microwave link from sheriff’s office hot backup site to the main 911 communications center to ensure clear communication between the two sites, supported with a robust backup Ethernet fiber connection. Back up battery system and emergency generators at all microwave sights for power outages. Use of eight tower sites throughout the county with numerous backup features with each frequency utilized. Back up UHF/VHF radio in the event of a primary radio failure. Redundant network switches to insure continued data connectivity in the event a failure. Access/use of countywide GIS data for most accurate location and efficient dispatch of calls. Real time monitoring of critical data services to allow for and provide immediate remediation. Real time monitoring of environmental conditions in server and radio rooms to allow for and provide immediate remediation. Redundant HVAC systems in server rooms to insure appropriate environmental conditions for electronics. Currently serving 13 municipal clients as a 911 Public Safety Answering and Dispatch Point. Provides emergency medical dispatch protocols to callers. Provides Text to 9-1-1 service. Provides AVL tracking for sheriff and both paid and volunteer fire and EMS organizations. Robust computer automated dispatch system with mapping to pinpoint specific locations of emergencies to aid in response by emergency first responders. CAD system is fully replicated to a disaster recovery server every 2 hours. Network time synchronization from a satellite to insure accurate time stamping across all resources. EMAG service, which gives our paging function used by local emergency service personnel priority access to the Verizon texting network. Robust records management system able to provide clients with end detailed call reports. NENA compliance—a minimum of two telecommunicators on duty at all times, none of whom are accessible to the public or assigned clerk duties. SERVICES Primary Responsibilities Answer emergency telephone calls: Screen callers to verify emergency location and situation Use resources to locate callers that do not respond Provide pre-arrival emergency instructions when applicable Dispatch and track emergency resources Enter and verify all necessary data into CAD: Contact information, addresses Responding resources; dispatch, arrival and clearing times Initial report/request information by callers Special requests, contacts, notifications Answer administrative calls for the sheriff’s office and the communications center and either resolve the inquiry or transfer callers to the proper destination. Monitor radio communications from sheriff’s officers: Track location/status of officers engaged in assignments, traffic stops, special details Conduct computer inquiries to vehicle ownership, driver status, warrants, criminal histories Track and monitor prisoner transports by sheriff’s/corrections personnel Additional Responsibilities Monitor 50+ camera sites at the county judicial complex, corrections center, emergency operating center/911 center and sheriff’s main office Receive requests, dispatch resources and make notifications involving the Sheriff’s Office Special Services Receive notifications and requests related to other public safety programs sponsored and managed by the sheriff’s office Receive requests and arrange for afterhours/weekend call out assignments involving county personnel 911 Answering All 911 calls are answered by specially trained public safety telecommunicators (PSTs). This specialized training includes certification as a basic 911 telecommunicator by satisfactorily completing a course of instruction relating to: enhanced 911 systems and operating procedures interpersonal communications overview of the EMS function overview of the fire function overview of the police function public safety records systems public safety telecommunications systems radio broadcasting rules and procedures telecommunicator role in public safety telecommunicators legal issues telephone techniques All PSAPs in New Jersey are required to use the New Jersey Emergency Medical Dispatch Guidecards. These guidecards help the PST quickly assess the critical points of a particular situation and the level of emergency service response necessary. They also guide a PST in providing medical instructions to a caller involving many different types of medical emergencies. Those instructions may often save lives or prevent a situation from becoming worse. Personnel from this PSAP have managed thousands of calls involving cardiac, stroke, diabetic, fall, trauma, childbirth, accident, fires and other emergencies. We see the value in providing this type of intervention. TEXT TO 9-1-1 The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center accepts 9-1-1 emergency calls via text (SMS) message from within every municipality in Sussex County. Texting provides a method for individuals to be able to contact a 9-1-1 center for help in situations where their safety could be in jeopardy if they were to be heard speaking. Text to 9-1-1 also provides individuals with special needs or who may not be able to speak, access to emergency services when they need help or want to report an emergency. When to send a text to 9-1-1 : When you have an emergency that requires assistance from police, fire or EMS. If you have a speech or hearing impairment, you can send a text to 9-1-1 using a cell phone or other device. It is recommended that you inform 9-1-1 that you are speech or hearing impaired so that they can inform the responders. If speaking may cause you harm, such as a break-in or domestic violence situation. Remember to silence your phone so that the sound of 9-1-1 replying does not give you away. Peer pressure. You are with a group and some of the members are doing something dangerous or illegal. If you cannot make a voice call with your cell phone because there is no service you may be able to get data service to send a text message. How to send a text to 9-1-1: Open the message app on your phone or wireless device. In "To" type "911" (there is no need to add "-"). In the message field, type the location, (address and municipality) and a brief description of the problem. Then press "SEND. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker. Text in simple words, do not use abbreviations. Keep text messages brief and concise. Messages should be sent in English. If this is not possible a voice call should be made to allow use of translation services for voice calls. Entering 911 as the name of the person one wishes to communicate with, followed by a message and "send" will alert a dispatcher at the communications center that a new call has been received. A normal exchange of messages will follow in determining the proper response. All devices sending text messages are plotted on a map as soon as they are acknowledged by the dispatcher. While text to 9-1-1 offers an additional means to contact emergency services, it is important to understand that voice communication is always preferred as the best form of communication. Voice communications allow for quicker exchange of important information and a greater efficiency in getting help to a particular situation. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Appointments to the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) are made as the need arises. All appointments are made in accordance with New Jersey Civil Service rules and regulations. To be a successful PST, a candidate must be competent in many of the inter-related duties and responsibilities associated with a 911 communications center. It is not a career to be taken lightly and those who are successful are typically found to be highly motivated with above average interpersonal skills, good reasoning and judgement, and the ability to multitask. In order to meet the demands of rapid data entry, candidates should be able to keystroke at a rate of 40 words per minute. Additionally, PSTs must be at least 18 years of age and pass an extensive background investigation. In order to serve in this position, a PST must successfully complete the following certification courses, often advertised and offered through local emergency service organizations or local PSAPs: 40-hour Basic Telecommunicator/Communications Officer 32-hour Emergency Medical Dispatcher 8-hour CPR certification Individuals interested in applying to serve as a PST are encouraged to complete and submit the Sussex County Employment Application, available at the Sussex County website .