WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

PUBLIC SAFETY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

ANIMAL CONTROL

Animal Control enforces the County's animal control ordinances through wardens. Responding to reports of at-large, diseased or vicious domesticated animals, wardens also investigate reports from the County Health Officer regarding animal bites. Wardens are assisted in these duties by the Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Wardens also license and inspect veterinarian offices, as well as establishments boarding, breeding, selling, or training dogs in the County. In addition, Animal Control impounds at-large domestic animals, and conducts adoptions for those without owners. Through Animal Control, veterinarians may be authorized to issue licenses for domestic cats and dogs.

The Board of County Commissioners appoints the Chief Animal Control Officer, and all Animal Control wardens (County Code, Public Safety Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-105).

EMERGENCY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Emergency Services Department is responsible for all emergency preparation, response, and recovery in the County. Operating the emergency communication system, the Department receives County 911 calls and interagency radio communication, and coordinates first responders to best respond to emergencies. The Department also conducts community outreach programs to educate residents on topics related to emergency evacuation, preparation, mitigation, and recovery (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113; County Code, Public Safety Article, secs. 6-101 through 6-207).

Under the Department are two main offices: Emergency Management and Information Technology. Assisting the Department is the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Emergency Management develops the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, which analyzes the greatest threats to residents, and describes how to prevent and respond to such emergencies. Presenting the Plan to the Board of County Commissioners, Emergency Management advises the Board on matters related to disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. Maintaining mobile aid units, Emergency Management is able to provide residents with emergency medical assistance, communication, and shelter during and after emergencies.

With Board of County Commissioners consent, the Governor appoints the Director who oversees the County's emergency preparation and response, and coordinates federal, State and local agencies during disasters.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
In 1992, Information Technology originated under the County Treasurer within the Finance Office. In July 2010, Information Technology trasnerred to the Emergency Services Department.

Information Technology develops and procures information and communication systems to meet the needs of County government. Maintaining the County’s digital network and infrastructure, Information Technology ensures data storage, and telephone and internet connections for County agencies. The office also works to maintain County records and ensure County access to digital databases, such as the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (MILES), and the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) operated by the State Police and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This allows greater information sharing between State and local law enforcement agencies.

FIRE MARSHAL

Overseen by the State Fire Marshal's Office, the County Fire Marshal is responsible for enforcement of laws and subsequent investigations concerning arson; fire prevention; the installation and maintenance of fire detection and extinguisher equipment; the availability and adequacy of fire exits at public and commercial establishments; and the storage, sale, or use of explosives and combustibles (Code Criminal Law Article, sec. 4-201; Code Criminal Procedures Article, sec. 2-208.4; Code Public Safety Article, secs. 6-304, County Code, Public Safety Article, secs. 1-201, 1-401).

JAIL

The County Jail processes all those arrested in the County, and holds persons awaiting trial, and inmates serving sentences of less than six months. With assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, the Jail is responsible for transportation of inmates to and from court hearings, as well as medical and work release related matters.

The Jail Warden is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, and is responsible for the health and well being of inmates (County Code, Public Safety Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-301).

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