About OHS

Organizational History

The Office of Homeland Security (OHS) was developed as a result of legislation passed in 2003.  This new agency incorporated critical emergency response entities that were previously part of other agencies.  

Public Safety Communications (PSC), which included all County 9-1-1, emergency dispatch and radio system support, had been part of the Office of Information Technology and Communications (OITC).  The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was a division of the Fire/EMS Department.  OEM and PSC were combined under the leadership of the DCAO for Public Safety/Director of Homeland Security, forming the Office of Homeland Security.  The legislation and resulting changes to the Charter, spelled out the separate and distinct missions assigned to OEM and PSC.

Public Safety Communications (PSC)

Mission:

The mission of Prince George’s County Public Safety Communications is to serve as the critical and vital link between the citizens of Prince George’s County and the public safety first responders.  

Vision:

Public Safety Communications is committed to saving lives, protecting property, assisting the public in their time of need, and ensuring the safety of our first responders through prompt, impartial, and professional call taking, dispatch, technical and support services.

Office of Emergency Management (OEM) 

Mission:

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinates the Prince George's County emergency management program to prepare, prevent, plan, respond and recover from all-hazard events. The OEM develops, maintains and implements the ability to manage and coordinate emergency operations in cooperation with local, State and Federal governmental and private sector agencies. 

Vision:

Building a safer future through effective partnerships of local government, emergency services, private sector, and volunteer agencies and the citizens of Prince George's County to save lives, protect property and reduce the effects of disasters through preparedness, prevention, planning, response, and recovery activities.