Rationale:

Public safety services, including law enforcement, EMS, and fire service, must respond promptly and appropriately during a crisis. Residents need to know that when they dial 911, a well-trained and well-equipped person will be there to help them in a time of need, from on-scene emergency responders to behavioral health professionals (i.e., nurse navigators). Wake County is committed to efficiently protecting all community members based on best practices, prevention, continual improvement, and service consistency.

Public safety response standards are based on established protocols, regulations, and best practices designed to protect the community and respond effectively to emergencies. These standards are informed by research, technological advancements, and lessons learned from past incidents. They aim to ensure coordinated, efficient, and effective emergency responses to minimize risk, harm, and damage during incidents and disasters, and ultimately save lives and protect property.

Equitable service delivery underscores the County’s commitment to protecting all community members, regardless of location or status. Wake County supports representation in public safety agencies and seeks to promote volunteerism in fire service, increase diversity in hiring first responders, and increase community involvement.

Public safety is only possible because of first responders' hard work and dedication. Wake County is committed to caring for first responders and improving their physical and behavioral health. Addressing violence against public safety employees is crucial, safeguarding those who risk their health and safety for the community's well-being.

Supporting Indicators and Metrics:

Note: Response times are when a public safety agency is dispatched to the emergency location and does not include call handling at public safety answering points (PSAPs or 911 call centers).

Comprehensive Plans and Key Resources:

• Wake County EMS Facilities Master Plan
• Wake County Fire Services Long-range Plan (2021)
• Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant Plan

Rationale:

Wake County plays a vital role in healing and strengthening the community by connecting those affected by crime and emergencies to support networks and services. By guiding individuals to community resources, they assist in addressing immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience. These efforts contribute significantly to helping victims, survivors, and even perpetrators return to normalcy, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary for reentry into society.

Victim services offer immediate relief and comfort, aiding in the healing process. Recovery courts that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, embodying a compassionate approach to justice. Youth diversion programs (i.e., Wake County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Haven House) provide alternatives focused on rehabilitation and positive development rather than incarceration and detention.

Holistic approaches foster a safer, more supportive community where individuals are given a chance to rebuild and transform their lives. Investing in such networks, local governments affirm their commitment to nurturing a community where every member has opportunities to be resilient, even in the aftermath of adversity.

Supporting Indicators and Metrics:

Comprehensive Plans and Key Resources:

• Wake County Familiar Faces Collaborative; Governance and Readiness Assessment
• Wake County 4-H Youth Development
• Wake County Crisis System Assessment Report
• Wake County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
• Wake County; National Opioid Settlement

Rationale:

Wake County can wield significant influence in reducing crime rates through indirect yet powerful channels. It can extend beyond traditional law enforcement and the criminal justice system to address the root causes of criminal behavior and support prevention.

Through anti-violence campaigns, Wake County can spread awareness and foster a culture of peace, encouraging communities to reject violence as a norm. Through investments in behavioral and mental health services, they tackle underlying issues that could lead to crime and violent deaths, offering support and intervention before situations escalate. Reentry programs play a significant role, guiding former offenders back into society with dignity, support and employment, reducing recidivism.

Initiatives that engage the community reinforce connections among residents, forming a collective stance against crime. Access to resources and diversion programs provides at-risk individuals with alternatives to criminal activities, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. Drug prevention efforts and gun violence prevention strategies, including education on safe gun storage, targeting specific risk factors, and reducing the opportunities for crime and violence to occur.

These measures embody a holistic approach to public safety, where prevention, education, and community well-being lead the charge in creating safer, more resilient neighborhoods.

Supporting Indicators and Metrics:

Comprehensive Plans and Key Resources:

• Blueprint to Dismantle Systemic Racism (2022)
• Wake County Criminal Justice [Facilities] Master Plan
• Wake County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
• Wake County Pretrial Reform Project
• Wake Local Reentry Council; Three-Year Strategic Plan