SIMI VALLEY : Mobile Command Center Is Urged

Newly elected Simi Valley Councilman Paul Miller, the city’s former police chief, wants to establish a mobile command center in cases of emergencies.

Miller said that when last year’s earthquake rumbled through his city, the police communications system was knocked out, delaying emergency dispatches until an impromptu transmitter could be set up inside a patrol car in the department’s parking lot.

“It was several hours before we could get up and running again,” Miller said at Monday’s council meeting.

“I would like to have the capability to meet that need if it ever happens again.”

Miller asked city staff members to include his suggestion in budget discussions this spring. In addition to the mobile command center, Miller wants to hire a deputy emergency services coordinator, who would assist staff members in responding to earthquakes, fires and other disasters.

Miller said he did not know the cost of his recommendations, but Police Lt. Tony Harper said he already is looking into purchasing the mobile center.

“If we’re going to look at mobile command posts for an agency this size, we’re talking about $250,000,” Harper said.

Although no funding has been earmarked for his proposals, the former police chief said both ideas are a good investment.

“Government in general is very reactionary,” Miller said.

“We fix things after the fact. But in order to take care of some of these disasters, you’ve got to spend money up front.”