Austin, Texas, police are now urging the public to call 311 instead of 911 to report non-emergencies, authorities said.
Starting Friday, individuals in the city are asked to use 311 when reporting crimes that are either no longer in process, when the suspect is no longer on the scene, or when there is no immediate threat to life or property, according to the Austin Police Department…
Press release:
After 35 years of service, Communications Coordinator Russell L. Lang is working his last shift Friday, October 1, at the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.
Russ began his career on August 9, 1986, as a Dispatcher, and on June 17, 1989, he was appointed Communications Coordinator and has held this position ever since. During his communications career, Lang earned several awards that include two Distinguished Service, three Meritorious Service for continuous excellence, and six Commendations…
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis’ Personnel Department has sent 95 applicants to the understaffed and overworked police dispatch center since June – but only six have been hired.
What’s the hold up?
Police and city leaders say problems with those applicants, and the personnel process, are making it hard to hire people. And that is part of what’s keeping callers on hold for far longer than industry standards, according to Lt. Adam Koeln, commander of the police department’s Communications Division…
Charlie Jordan already had some dispatching experience when he reported for his first shift at Novi Regional 911 Center. He was nervous and barely talked while absorbing the new policies and responsibilities that go with dispatching for the cities of Novi and South Lyon. Some days were equally – if… READ MORE
“We don’t just dispatch police cars and fire trucks. We don’t just answer 911 calls. We ensure the safety, service and security of your communities.”
That’s what Jay Somerville shares about the devoted 911 dispatchers working at the Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center, known as NRECC, headquartered at the Dublin Justice Center. As the center’s bureau commander, Somerville points out that the public might not know exactly what dispatchers do. Communications technicians, as they’re known at NRECC, are the “first first-responders” for someone seeking help, he says. Taking 911 calls, being a calm voice, and sending out the appropriate team of first responders to a person’s exact location is the fast-paced, decisive business of dispatching…
