Communications

The Communications Division receives and dispatches calls for the Sheriff's Office and the Port St. Joe Police Department. Led by Captain Chris Buchanan, the Gulf County Sheriff's Office Communications Division is staffed 24 hours a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year. Dispatchers are certified 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators through the Florida Department of Health and must recertify every two years through continuing education.

One of the most important roles of the Public Safety Telecommunicator is maintaining radio contact with deputies and officers. They are a "life-line." Requests from law enforcement to contact other agencies are carried out by the Communications Division. These requests may include contacting Gulf County EMS, a fire department, utility company, public works, or assistance from other law enforcement agencies.

Public Safety Telecommunicators have access to the Florida Criminal Information Center (FCIC) and National Criminal Information Center (NCIC). The information centers provide access and an ability to communicate with other agencies throughout the United States and Florida. Through FCIC/NCIC they are able to determine if a subject is wanted by another agency, if an item/vehicle has been reported stolen, or if someone has been reported missing. They also enter stolen items, vehicles, license plates, missing persons, wanted persons, protection orders, etc. in the system from Gulf County.