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Hamilton County offering to merge 911 services with Cincinnati

While Cincinnati City Council looks into its emergency communications operations following a recent television news investigation, Hamilton County is offering one possible solution.

Commissioners Wednesday approved a resolution supporting a joint city/county emergency communications center.

Commissioner Greg Hartmann says this is a great opportunity for shared services.

"I think that our response times are better," he says. "We're fully staffed. We've got EMT's answering every call and giving medical advice if it's needed on a 911 call. I think it makes sense, we're doing the same exact thing they're doing. We provide redundant systems. This is where we ought to merge these two agencies and take it over from the city."

Hartmann says a joint operation would be more efficient and save both sides money.

The city's 911 center is understaffed. A spokesman says there are 29 open positions because of a hiring freeze.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.