Carroll County (Map, News) - Carroll should create a task force to explore how to consolidate its emergency dispatch centers, Carroll’s chief of staff said.

“We want to work more efficiently to make sure there isn’t a duplication of services,” Chief of Staff Steve Powell said Thursday. “If I request the sheriff’s office, I may not know that there is a state trooper right down the street.”

Westminster and Maryland State Police have emergency dispatch centers in Carroll.

Some towns, including Hampstead, approached Carroll requesting the consolidation of services.

Powell said he would approach commissioners next week about establishing a task force to explore the matter. Municipal, county and state officials would participate in the endeavor. Such a group is needed to comprehensively study the issue and create a report on the process and benefits, he said.