Karen's Plan: Looking Ahead - Advancing Public Safety
As your candidate for County Executive and current President of the New Castle County Council, I have championed several critical public safety initiatives to ensure our community's safety and well-being. Recently, I sponsored and we voted for an $8 million budget increase for police salaries to address our critical staffing shortages, aimed at retaining and attracting top-tier personnel. In addition, I supported pioneering efforts to enhance emergency response capabilities by implementing video in 9-1-1 calls, providing real-time visuals during emergencies to improve situational awareness and response efficiency. Another innovative measure we have implemented is having EMS teams carry real blood on calls, which significantly enhances on-site emergency care and saves more lives. These advancements position New Castle County as a leader in public safety, demonstrating our commitment to protecting and serving our community with the highest standards​.
Public Safety
Looking Ahead: Advancing Public Safety for New Castle County
Police, Emergency Medical Services, 911 Communications, Emergency Management, and Behavioral Health Program
As your candidate for New Castle County Executive, and having served as President of New Castle County Council for the last eight years, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to public safety. My tenure as Co-chair of the Public Safety Committee has equipped me with the insight and expertise necessary to address the critical issues facing our community. Public safety is the cornerstone of a thriving and secure County. Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to enhancing our public safety infrastructure, ensuring our residents feel safe and supported. My efforts have encompassed a broad spectrum of initiatives, including police services, emergency medical services, 911 communications, emergency management, and the development of a comprehensive behavioral health program.
Police Services
Our police force is the frontline of community safety. I have consistently supported measures to provide our officers with the training, resources, and technology they need to effectively protect and serve. This includes advocating for advanced community policing strategies that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
Emergency Management
Preparedness and resilience are key to handling emergencies and disasters. As Co-chair of the Public Safety Committee, I have championed initiatives to strengthen our emergency management protocols, including disaster preparedness drills, public education campaigns, and inter-agency coordination. These efforts help mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters, ensuring our community can recover swiftly and effectively.
Emergency Medical Services
Timely and effective emergency medical services are crucial in saving lives. I have worked diligently to enhance the capabilities of our EMS teams, ensuring they have the best equipment and training available. My goal has always been to reduce response times and improve outcomes for those in need of urgent medical care.
Behavioral Health Program
Mental health and substance abuse are critical issues that intersect with public safety. I have been a strong advocate for integrating behavioral health services within our public safety framework. This includes creating programs that provide mental health support and addiction services, reducing the strain on our emergency responders and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis. Experience matters. My record of supporting, advocating for, and implementing innovative public safety initiatives demonstrates my commitment to making New Castle County a safer place for all residents. As your next County Executive, I will continue to prioritize public safety, ensuring our community remains secure, resilient, and well-prepared for the future.
911 Communications
A robust 911 communications system is essential for coordinating emergency responses. I have sponsored legislation to upgrade our 911 infrastructure, incorporating the latest technology to improve accuracy and efficiency. This ensures that when our residents call for help, they receive the fastest and most effective response possible.
Experience matters. My record of supporting, advocating for, and implementing innovative public safety initiatives demonstrates my commitment to making New Castle County a safer place for all residents. As your next County Executive, I will continue to prioritize public safety, ensuring our community remains secure, resilient, and well-prepared for the future.