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ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

ANIMAL CONTROL

Animal Control responds to reports of nuisance, injured or diseased animals, and enforces State and County animal ordinances. Animal Control also shelters unwanted domestic animals and provides for their adoption.

DETENTION CENTER

The Detention Center was authorized in 1985, and opened in 1987 to replace the County Jail (Chapter 457, Acts of 1985). The position of Warden was created to assume oversight of the new facility, as well as other incarceration duties formerly held by the Sheriff.

Responsible for housing those arrested in the County, the Detention Center holds convicted prisoners, as well as those awaiting trial. Maintaining Detention Center records, and ensuring the health and well-being of those incarcerated there are duties of the Warden (County Code, secs. 12-101 through 12-103).

DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY SERVICES

The Department of Emergency Services develops and maintains emergency operations plans for the County. Plans define emergency precautions, preparations, and actions during and after emergencies. At the time of emergencies, the Department coordinates federal, State, local and private responders. Hazard and disaster mitigation and recovery also are coordinated through the Department, which may operate essential service centers in the community. These centers provide food, water, and shelter for those in need (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 14-109 through 14-113).

Since July 1985, the Department has staffed and maintained a 911 call center, which receives emergency calls, and dispatches and coordinates responders. Maintaining an interagency communication network, the center works with fire and emergency medical service companies, State and local police departments, and the Sheriff’s Office.

FIRE MARSHAL

For Somerset County, the Deputy State Fire Marshal serves as an assistant to the State Fire Marshal, and is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of laws regarding 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 Public Safety Article, Sec. 6-305).

The Deputy State Fire Marshal is appointed by the State Fire Marshal (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 6-303).

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