WICOMICO COUNTY AND EASTERN SHORE UNDERCOVER LLC SIGN MOU TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY AND ADHERENCE TO PIA REQUIREMENTS FOR 911 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Eastern Shore Undercover LLC to enhance transparency and comply with the Public Information Act (PIA) requirements concerning 911 radio communications.
As part of this one-year agreement, Wicomico County and Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will work together to ensure that radio communications from the main dispatch channel, which are deemed as public record, will be released to the public and are accurate and timely. Key measures implemented through this collaboration include:
1. Publishing Radio Communications: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing Wicomico County radio communications from the main dispatch channel, further enhancing transparency and providing the community with "real-time" information about public safety operations. To ensure officer safety and scene security, all published radio communications will be delayed 15-30 minutes.
2. Public Engagement: This partnership is committed to fostering open communication with the community. Public inquiries are encouraged, and both parties are dedicated to addressing any concerns or questions regarding reporting and information dissemination.
3. Public Events & Information: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing press releases and community events that are mutually agreed upon by both parties and are deemed appropriate and informative.
4. No Sensitive Information: Eastern Shore Undercover has committed to not publish any sensitive information that includes personal information that could be used for identity theft such as social security numbers, identifiable medical or psychological information, etc. that could compromise public safety or privacy.
5. No Cost to the Tax Payers: Eastern Shore Undercover will provide this service at no cost to the county.
County Executive Julie Giordano emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We understand the importance and necessity of encryption, but we also recognize the importance of transparency and adhering to PIA requirements. This partnership with Eastern Shore Undercover LLC allows us to balance these needs effectively, ensuring that our community stays informed while our officers remain protected."
This MOU represents a significant step forward in maintaining the delicate balance between operational security and public transparency. Wicomico County is committed to providing its residents with the information they need while safeguarding the integrity of its emergency response operations.
As part of this one-year agreement, Wicomico County and Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will work together to ensure that radio communications from the main dispatch channel, which are deemed as public record, will be released to the public and are accurate and timely. Key measures implemented through this collaboration include:
1. Publishing Radio Communications: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing Wicomico County radio communications from the main dispatch channel, further enhancing transparency and providing the community with "real-time" information about public safety operations. To ensure officer safety and scene security, all published radio communications will be delayed 15-30 minutes.
2. Public Engagement: This partnership is committed to fostering open communication with the community. Public inquiries are encouraged, and both parties are dedicated to addressing any concerns or questions regarding reporting and information dissemination.
3. Public Events & Information: Eastern Shore Undercover LLC will begin publishing press releases and community events that are mutually agreed upon by both parties and are deemed appropriate and informative.
4. No Sensitive Information: Eastern Shore Undercover has committed to not publish any sensitive information that includes personal information that could be used for identity theft such as social security numbers, identifiable medical or psychological information, etc. that could compromise public safety or privacy.
5. No Cost to the Tax Payers: Eastern Shore Undercover will provide this service at no cost to the county.
County Executive Julie Giordano emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We understand the importance and necessity of encryption, but we also recognize the importance of transparency and adhering to PIA requirements. This partnership with Eastern Shore Undercover LLC allows us to balance these needs effectively, ensuring that our community stays informed while our officers remain protected."
This MOU represents a significant step forward in maintaining the delicate balance between operational security and public transparency. Wicomico County is committed to providing its residents with the information they need while safeguarding the integrity of its emergency response operations.
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