Austin police weigh dispatching civilians, not officers to some non-emergency calls (TX)

by | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News

Austin Police Department officials are finalizing plans to dispatch civilians instead of police officers to certain types of calls that do not involve emergencies as a way to maximize patrol staffing and respond to reformers’ demands for change.

Interim Police Chief Joe Chacon hinted at his plan Wednesday during an announcement that he would step into the job permanently, pending City Council confirmation Thursday.

On Friday, the department released more information about the plan, which is likely to be announced this week.

“The Austin Police Department regularly reviews response policies and procedures to ensure APD prioritizes calls with an immediate threat to life or property over non-emergency calls for service,” the department said in a statement. “As a result of a recent review … recent staffing challenges and aligning with the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force patrol response recommendations, APD will change call routing and response for non-emergency calls for service effective Oct. 1…

Albany union points towards low staffing at emergency dispatch center (NY)

Albany union points towards low staffing at emergency dispatch center (NY)

by | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News

The Albany Firefighters’ Union is once again raising the alarm over staffing levels at the city’s dispatch center.

According to the union, just four dispatchers were working Saturday night.

Those four had to handle 911 calls, not just for fire, but for police and EMS as well.

In addition to taking emergency calls, dispatchers also handle non-emergency calls and send out emergency notifications, like the ones you get during a major storm…

Dozens of 911 center complaints filed by N.C. fire, EMS revealed (NC)

Dozens of 911 center complaints filed by N.C. fire, EMS revealed (NC)

by | Sep 26, 2021 | Comm Center News

By Rachel Engel

DURHAM, N.C. — Dozens of complaints by public safety agencies against Durham’s 911 center were revealed in a recent public records request.

A months-long investigation by CBS 17 revealed the depth of the emergency call center’s staffing shortages, which revealed nearly 60 complaints by the Durham Fire Department and EMS. The grievances included delays, wrong addresses, wrong responses, and confrontations by residents who stopped by the fire station after they were unable to reach 911.

In a statement, the city acknowledged the missteps, and laid out its plan for addressing them…

Portland considers automated system to improve 911 and nonemergency call wait times (OR)

Portland considers automated system to improve 911 and nonemergency call wait times (OR)

by | Sep 25, 2021 | Comm Center News

“You’ll actually be talking to an intelligent computer who will help to direct you to the resources that you need,” explained city commissioner Mingus Mapps.

PORTLAND, Ore. — City commissioner Mingus Mapps hopes to improve 911 wait times by installing artificial intelligence software to help answer nonemergency calls.

Mapps hopes the automated system will be up and running by the end of the year, as first reported by Willamette Week.

“When you call into the nonemergency number, instead of getting a live human being, you’ll actually be talking to an intelligent computer who will help to direct you to the resources that you need,” Mapps told KGW…

Shelby County takes over 911 services for Mountain Brook (AL)

Shelby County takes over 911 services for Mountain Brook (AL)

by | Sep 25, 2021 | Comm Center News

The Mountain Brook Emergency Communications District recently signed a three-year contract with the Shelby County Emergency Communications District to take over as the provider of E-911 services for the city.

Mountain Brook’s 911 services are currently provided by dispatchers employed in-house and supervised by police personnel.

The Shelby County Emergency Communications District approved the contract at its July 29 board meeting to take over public safety dispatch services for Mountain Brook. Following the effective date of the contract, there will be a five-month implementation period, lasting until about Jan. 10, 2022…

Austin PD to reroute non-emergency calls over staffing shortages, COVID protocols (TX)

Austin PD to reroute non-emergency calls over staffing shortages, COVID protocols (TX)

by | Sep 25, 2021 | Comm Center News

By Suzie Ziegler

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department will be changing how it responds to non-emergency calls starting October 1, according to KXAN.

Instead, the department will ask people to call 311 – not 911 – to report crimes that are no longer in progress and if there is no immediate threat to life or property, the report says.

APD officials say the change comes amid staffing challenges and a review of its COVID-19 mitigation protocols. Police Chief Joseph Chacon says he is working to determine if a non-sworn unit could be used in some situations…