Most County Residents Can Now Text 911

Most of Santa Clara County, save for a few cities, can now text 911 in an emergency if they are unable to call.

“I am ever mindful that we live in a valley with a lot of people that need other ways of communicating with us besides just being able to dial 911 and speak with someone,” Supervisor Cindy Chavez told reporters during a news conference in San Jose on Wednesday. “911 being able to text us is an opportunity to help more people and save more lives.”….

Former dispatcher avoids prison

A former Custer County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher will spend 10 days in jail, but no time in prison, after pleading guilty to grand theft.

Kelly Lynn Knight, 31, of Stanley, was granted a withheld judgment in the Custer County District Court case in Sept. 16 proceedings. She was placed on probation for three years and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Knight was ordered to enroll in counseling for budgeting and enroll in a vocational or work training program. In addition, her sentence includes 180 days of discretionary jail time. She was fined….

Ex-Central Falls police dispatcher sues, alleging pervasive sexual harassment

PROVIDENCE — A former dispatcher for the Central Falls Police Department is alleging rampant sexual harassment and mistreatment by officers in a lawsuit in federal court.

In the suit filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, Kelly Baxter tells of being subjected to crude sexual commentary, unwelcome overtures, hostile work conditions and retaliation in response to complaints.

Baxter named as defendants Mayor James Diossa, Finance Director Cynthia DeJesus, Police Chief Daniel J. Barzykowski, Detective Omar Ospina and Sgt. Joseph D. Tougas in their official and individual capacities. Her allegations include sex discrimination and harassment; civil rights violations; intentional infliction of emotional distress; and violations of fair employment practices.

Petersburg Police Dispatchers celebrate Christmas year-round in memory of co-worker

PETERSBURG, Va. — Sharron Edmonds-Leverette was known for starting her yearly Christmas Countdown on January 1.

The 17-year veteran of the Petersburg Police Telecommunication Center was passionate about the holidays and any reason for celebration. Described as a firecracker in the office who lived to party plan and organize, Leverette would never let her coworkers forget a holiday.

So after she passed away recently, her colleagues….