Yakima Co. dispatchers seeing more people texting 911 when it’s not safe to call (WA)

“People just don’t feel comfortable talking because that person that isn’t supposed to be there is there and for their safety, they can’t make that phone call,” SunComm Yakima 911 public safety communications manager Erica McNamara said.

It’s not just police officers. 911 dispatchers are also in short supply (WA)

Earlier this summer, the Washington State Patrol did something it’s never done before: close one of its eight regional communication centers used to answer 911 calls and dispatch troopers and other first responders to emergencies.

The center, located in Wenatchee, had been plagued for years by understaffing and the situation showed no sign of improvement. So, the decision was made to pull the plug and route those calls to other centers elsewhere in the state.