Erie County Department of Public Safety

Provide for the safety and welfare of our community (i.e. Goals 2015 - 2017

1. Re-establish (formalize) the Erie County Public Safety Advisory Committee.

PURPOSE:

Provides to the citizens and emergency responders of Erie County a comprehensive program of 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch services; emergency management, including but not limited to emergency planning, training and resource management; hazardous materials planning, training and response. The Department works closely with appropriate municipal, County, state and federal agencies in order

to carry out its mission. CUSTOMERS:

~ Residents of Erie County
~ 38 Municipalities of Erie County
~ Emergency Service Providers of Erie County
~ Schools, Civic and Public Service Organizations
~ Local Business and Industry
~ State, County and Local Officials
~ State and Federal Emergency Management Officials
~ Media Broadcast Stations

AUTHORITY:

~ Pennsylvania Emergency Services Code, 35 Pa. C.S.
~ 4 PA Code Chapter 120b Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act
~ 4 PA Code Chapter 120c Training and Certification Standards
~ 4 PA Code Chapter 120d Performance Review and Quality Assurance Standards
~ Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission
~ Erie County Administrative Code as revised and reenacted November 1, 2007, Section 11, “Department of Public Safety”.
~ Erie County Directives, Policy and Procedures

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICES:

~ Provide public safety call taking and dispatch services without interruption, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

~ Provide public service information to the community and emergency response agencies regarding 911 issues.

~ Provide training and quality assurance services as required by State regulations.

~ Provide preventative maintenance to existing emergency communication sites throughout the county.

~ Facilitate the design, equipment purchase, and implementation of a comprehensive, interoperable, communications system that will service all public safety agencies in Erie County. TRENDS IN USE OF SERVICES:

~ Continued participation (direct involvement) as a member of the Legislative Government Affairs Committee as it relates to the legislative re-write of the Pennsylvania Emergency Services Code, 35 Pa. C.S.

~ Enhancement of staff expertise and competency levels.

~ Continuation of the consolidation of Countywide emergency communications services.

~ Implementation of Next Generation Public Safety Radio System (APCO P25 Phase II Trunked UHF Simulcast Repeated Radio System) to provide reliable, interoperable communications among Emergency Service Providers on a common frequency that meets or exceeds National Industry Standards with consideration given to include Public Transportation, Public Works, School Districts, etc.

~ Continued participation in the Regional Shared Services Assessment - The feasibility of emergency services internet protocol-based networks (ESInet) and equipment sharing/regionalization of the PSAPs in a coordinated effort across the Commonwealth. Northern Tier Regional Telecommunications (telephony) project, a ten County consortium sharing the capital and reoccurring expenses of a 9-1-1 system resulted in a savings of approx. $358,000. Additional (future) regional initiatives / projects include sharing of computer- aided dispatch systems, geographic information systems, voice logging recorders, etc.)

~ Establish redundancy of the Erie County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) / Dispatch Center among other County PSAPs with a regional approach, eliminating the need for a physical redundant center located in Erie County in the event of an evacuation or catastrophic failure.

~ Maintain current on emerging technology / systems (i.e. Next Generation 9-1-1), offering the most advanced services such as "Text-to-911, Photos, Streaming Video, Telematics, etc.

~ Establish a centralized record management system for all County Law Enforcement Agencies, a central repository of crime data; sharing information across jurisdictional boundaries; crime mapping; outstanding warrants, etc.

~ Remain current on geo-referenced, aerial, oblique image libraries and software (Pictometry) that are incorporated with the Computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. These software resources are utilized 24/7 to provide a fast response to emergencies that threaten the lives and property of citizens of Erie County. Physical fully-redundant backup center for 9-1-1 and Emergency Management, to include the Emergency Operations Center.

2. Enhancement of current 800MHz Mobile Data Network to facilitate the computer aided dispatch system, mobile data and AVL amongst Emergency Service Providers.

3. Enhancement of current communications equipment / infrastructure utilized by Erie County Emergency Service Providers in an effort to improve interoperable communications amongst users.

4. Design a new Next Generation Public Safety Radio System (APCO P25 Phase II Trunked UHF Simulcast Repeated Radio System) to provide reliable, interoperable communications among Emergency Service Providers on a common frequency that meets or exceeds National Industry Standards with consideration given to include Public Transportation, Public Works, School Districts, etc.

5. Participation in the Regional Shared Services Assessment – Assesses the feasibility of Emergency Services Internet Protocol-based Networks (ESInet) and equipment sharing/regionalization of the PSAPs in a coordinated effort across the Commonwealth. Erie County joining the Northern Tier Regional Telecommunications (telephony) project, a ten County consortium sharing the capital and reoccurring expenses of a 9-1-1 system resulted in a savings of approx. $358,000. Additional (future) regional initiatives / projects include sharing of computer-aided dispatch systems, geographic information systems, voice logging recorders, etc.

6. Pictometry GIS Project – Pictometry provides geo-referenced, aerial, oblique image libraries and software that can be incorporated with the Computer-aided Dispatch (CAD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. This project is collaborative effort between three County Departments (Assessment, Planning and Public Safety).

7. Record Management System for all County Law Enforcement Agencies, a central repository of crime data; sharing information across jurisdictional boundaries; crime mapping; outstanding warrants, etc.

8. Establish a centrally located Erie County Public Safety Training Center where all Public Safety Service Organizations train, take classes and participate in certification requirements. This facility would also establish educational services for high school programs in County high schools for Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter Certification, Fundamental of Telecommunications, etc.

9. The Erie County Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) would provide guidance on future public safety initiatives and disaster response programs throughout Erie County.

10. PSAC should include emergency management in existing and future community planning projects thus making these projects more beneficial to the community and more resilient to future disasters.

11. PSAC should establish and promote a Citizens Corp Council to promote volunteerism and community knowledge and participation in public safety and disaster response planning, projects and initiatives.

12. PSAC should further move to consolidate County-wide communications to include emergency and non-emergency call taking and dispatch services for Law, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management functions.

13. Collaboration between Emergency Service Providers, Local Municipalities, the Department of Public Safety and the PSAC would improve emergency services and provide a timely, efficient response throughout Erie County based on sharing regional assets and resources.

14. Public Safety Telecommunicator Observation Program – An observation program which affords students and members of the public safety community to sit as observers in the communications center environment with our on-duty Public Safety Telecommunications staff to educate themselves on the 9-1-1 call taking / dispatch process.

15. Public Alert Siren System – An all-hazard alert (siren) system used to warn the general population of potential danger. Severe weather is the most common threat. Public Alert Sirens will be activated under other conditions: Tornado Warning, Flooding, Terrorist Attack, evacuations, shelter in place, etc.

16. Enhance the “I Am Responding” Program to further improve response times within Erie County.

17. Research National Dispatch Protocol Systems, to ensure that Erie County remains on the cutting edge of available dispatch protocol systems.

18. Enhance Quality Assurance Program to generate higher overall compliance levels to meet or exceed performance review and quality assurance standards set forth by 4 PA Administrative Code Chapter 120d.

19. Review of current staffing patterns to ensure minimum staffing requirements are maintained and improved employee morale & job satisfaction.

20. Review policy & procedures to ensure they remain pertinent to current and future 9-1-1 / dispatch operations.

21. Establish operational policies and procedures for future Next Generation 911 technologies.

22. Obtain Certified Professional Supervisor Certification for all Shift Commander Staff for continuous improvement of supervisory skills.

23. Further enhancing staff expertise and competency levels with improved formal education, including review and revision to our current curriculum(s), as required.

06/18/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 18 at 7:41AM EDT until June 18 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
At 741 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Cambridge
Springs, or 9 miles north of Meadville, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...
Meadville, Edinboro, Cambridge Springs, Saegertown, Conneautville,
Springboro, Mill Village, Blooming Valley, Venango, and Woodcock.

Instructions:
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

06/18/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Tornado Warning issued June 18 at 7:28AM EDT until June 18 at 8:15AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
TORCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
Northwestern Crawford County in northwestern Pennsylvania...

* Until 815 AM EDT.

* At 728 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Linesville, or 14 miles northwest of Meadville,
moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near...
Harmonsburg around 735 AM EDT.
Meadville and Cambridge Springs around 740 AM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Woodcock, Saegertown, Springboro, Conneautville, Venango, Blooming
Valley, and Conneaut Lakeshore.

Instructions:
TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

06/18/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 18 at 7:17AM EDT until June 18 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
SVRCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
South central Erie County in northwestern Pennsylvania...
Northwestern Crawford County in northwestern Pennsylvania...

* Until 800 AM EDT.

* At 717 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Pymatuning
North, or 14 miles south of Conneaut, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...
Meadville, Edinboro, Cambridge Springs, Linesville, Harmonsburg,
Pymatuning North, Guys Mills, Saegertown, Conneautville,
Springboro, Mill Village, Blooming Valley, Venango, Woodcock, and
Conneaut Lakeshore.

Instructions:
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

06/16/2026

06/14/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 14 at 4:31PM EDT until June 14 at 5:30PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
SVRCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Eastern Erie County in northwestern Pennsylvania...
Eastern Crawford County in northwestern Pennsylvania...

* Until 530 PM EDT.

* At 430 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from Northwest Harborcreek to near Cambridge Springs to
near Cortland, moving east at 35 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect considerable
tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to mobile homes,
roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...
Erie, Corry, Titusville, North East, Union City, Waterford,
Wattsburg, Riceville, Northwest Harborcreek, Lincolnville,
Canadohta Lake, Guys Mills, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park,
Wesleyville, Cochranton, Hydetown, Mill Village, Blooming Valley,
and Townville.

Instructions:
Remain alert for a possible tornado! Tornadoes can develop quickly
from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado go at once into the
basement or small central room in a sturdy structure.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

06/14/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Tornado Warning issued June 14 at 4:25PM EDT until June 14 at 5:15PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
TORCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
Northeastern Crawford County in northwestern Pennsylvania...

* Until 515 PM EDT.

* At 425 PM EDT, a confirmed tornado was located near Cambridge
Springs, or 9 miles north of Meadville, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Damaging tornado.

SOURCE...Weather spotters confirmed tornado.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree
damage is likely.

* The tornado will be near...
Meadville and Cambridge Springs around 430 PM EDT.
Guys Mills around 435 PM EDT.
Lincolnville, Canadohta Lake, and Riceville around 440 PM EDT.
Titusville around 450 PM EDT.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Venango, Townville, Woodcock, Blooming Valley, Saegertown, and
Hydetown.

Instructions:
To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a
basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy
building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in
a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect
yourself from flying debris.

06/14/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 14 at 3:55PM EDT until June 14 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
SVRCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Eastern Ashtabula County in northeastern Ohio...
Southwestern Erie County in northwestern Pennsylvania...
Crawford County in northwestern Pennsylvania...

* Until 500 PM EDT.

* At 355 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 15 miles north of North Kingsville to 10 miles
northwest of Andover to 6 miles north of Mantua, moving east at 40
mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect damage to
trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...
Erie, Meadville, Conneaut, Edinboro, Girard, Cambridge Springs,
Albion, Andover, Linesville, Adamsville, Pymatuning Central,
Harmonsburg, Pymatuning North, Atlantic, Lawrence Park, Lake City,
Pierpont, Cochranton, Saegertown, and Conneautville.

Instructions:
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

06/14/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 14 at 3:21PM EDT until June 14 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
SVRCLE

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Ashtabula County in northeastern Ohio...

* Until 415 PM EDT.

* At 320 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from 36 miles northwest of Ashtabula to 7 miles west of
Geneva-On-The-Lake to Cleveland Heights, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to
mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...
Erie, Ashtabula, Conneaut, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Geneva, North
Kingsville, Orwell, Andover, Austinburg, Kingsville, Hartsgrove,
Roaming Shores, Pierpont, Cherry Valley, Rock Creek, Edgewood,
Plymouth Center, and Kelloggsville.

Instructions:
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

06/11/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 11:09PM EDT until June 10 at 11:30PM EDT by NWS Cleveland OH

Description:
At 1109 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
extending from near Chautauqua Institution to near Riceville, moving
east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...
North East, Wattsburg, Northwest Harborcreek, Harborcreek, and
Northwest Harborcr.

Instructions:
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

06/11/2026

Erie County Weather Alert.

Headline:
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued June 10 at 10:45PM EDT until June 10 at 11:45PM EDT by NWS Buffalo NY

Description:
SVRBUF

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
Chautauqua County in western New York...

* Until 1145 PM EDT.

* At 1045 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Northwest
Harborcreek, or near Erie, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
Jamestown, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Westfield, Lakewood, Falconer,
Mayville, Clymer, Long Point State Park, and Jamestown West.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 90 between exits 59 and 61.
Interstate 86 between exits 4 and 13.

Instructions:
For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Large hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning
are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is
one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder,
you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

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Location

Erie

Telephone

+18144517920

Website

https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/public-safety/

Address

2880 Flower Road
Erie, PA
16509

Erie County Department of Public Safety

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