Public Safety Law & Legal Definition

Public Safety refers to the welfare and protection of the general public. It is usually expressed as a governmental responsibility. Most states have departments for public safety. The primary goal of the department is prevention and protection of the public from dangers affecting safety such as crimes or disasters. In many cases the public safety division will be comprised of individuals from other organizations including police, emergency medical services, fire force etc.

According to Oregon Revised Statutes § 243.954, "Public safety officer" means Corrections officers, Fire service professionals, Parole and probation officers, Police officers and Youth correction officers.

There are Public safety answering points that provide 24-hour communications facility established as an answering location for 9-1-1 calls originating within a given service area. A "primary public safety answering point" receives all calls directly from the public whereas a "secondary public safety answering point" only receives calls from a primary public safety answering point on a transfer or relay basis.[ ORS § 401.710]

The relevant Sections as it appear in the Statute:

ORS § 243.954

[Title 22. Public Officers And Employees;Chapter 243. Public Employee Rights And Benefits Public Safety Memorial Fund]

5) "Public safety officer" means:

(a) Corrections officers, as defined in ORS 181.610.

(b) Fire service professionals, as defined in ORS 181.610, and includes volunteer firefighters as defined in ORS 652.050.

(c) Parole and probation officers, as defined in ORS 181.610.

(d) Police officers, as defined in ORS 181.610, and includes reserve officers, as defined in ORS 181.610.

(e) Youth correction officers, as defined in ORS 181.610.

ORS § 401.710

[Oregon Revised Statutes; Title 32. Military Affairs; Emergency Services Chapter 401. Emergency Services And Communications Emergency Telecommunications Systems]

11) "Public safety answering point" means a 24-hour communications facility established as an answering location for 9-1-1 calls originating within a given service area. A "primary public safety answering point" receives all calls directly from the public. A "secondary public safety answering point" only receives calls from a primary public safety answering point on a transfer or relay basis.