FeedsPolice may alter radio frequency
Apparently, there are still some issues to work out in the dispatch department that now serves Belleville and Van Buren Township.
Further consideration is being given to whether Belleville should operate on the same radio frequency as the township. That could resolve problems with the portable-radio to portable-radio communication and preserve the ability of Van Buren Township dispatch to provide Sumpter Township with backup service, according to Belleville City Manager Steve Walters.
A meeting, which will take place tomorrow, will finalize the issue, Walters said.
Now that the central dispatch network disposition between Belleville and Sumpter Township is complete, equipment matters have also been settled. The township retained all the dispatch employees under the extension of the last agreement, too. A new labor contract will be negotiated.
Resident Kay Atkins said it’s now time for Belleville to rely on Van Buren Township.
“Primarily, Belleville needs to look to Van Buren,” she said. “Belleville should encourage Sumpter Township to work-up an agreement with Huron Township. We are surrounded by Van Buren Township and it’s important that we do that.”
“Belleville, Van Buren Township and Sumpter Township work hand and hand in assisting many facets of public safety,” said Belleville Police Chief Gene Taylor. “The fact that three communities assist each other if the officers need assistance. It’s called mutual aid.”
