City of Ann Arbor to consider sending unarmed mental health professionals to nonviolent 911 calls (MI)

City of Ann Arbor to consider sending unarmed mental health professionals to nonviolent 911 calls (MI)

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

The Ann Arbor City Council is considering sending unarmed mental health workers or social workers to nonviolent 911 calls. The proposal emphasizes the importance of having mental health professionals present instead of the police when the caller is having a mental health crisis and limits the amount of work police can be involved with.

City Council will vote on this proposal during the meeting on April 5…

New Iberia Police Department Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (LA)

New Iberia Police Department Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (LA)

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Comm Center News

New Iberia, LA – New Iberia Police Department is celebrating the second full week of April (April 11-17) as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This week, sponsored by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International and celebrated annually, honors the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance to the world’s citizens…

It’s working in Eugene, Olympia, Denver: More cities are sending civilian responders, not police, on mental health calls

by | Apr 5, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News

NEW YORK – Mildred Galarza and Hawa Bah wish it were someone other than armed police officers who first encountered their loved ones when they were having mental health crises.

Galarza’s brother, Ariel, 49, died in 2016 after being Tasered three times by police when a neighbor in the Bronx called 911 to report a man with a knife who was pale, screaming and breathing heavily, a state report said…

 

Friends, co-workers remember former High Point emergency dispatcher (NC)

Friends, co-workers remember former High Point emergency dispatcher (NC)

by | Apr 4, 2021 | Comm Center News

Matthew Brown moved to High Point in 2002 working for the department for 18 years before his recent medical retirement. He died early this week.

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Friends and co-workers of the retired High Point emergency dispatcher who died this week described him as a unique and true friend.

Matthew Brown moved to High Point in 2002 working for the department for 18 years before his recent medical retirement. Brown’s family hasn’t revealed how he died but a friend said he died at home. Those who knew him personally or worked with him spoke about the special bond they shared. They said he would be sorely missed but fondly remembered…

April is National 9-1-1 Education Month and Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) Reminds Residents to “Help Us, Help You” (IL)

by | Apr 4, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News

Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency is vital to getting the help needed. During April, which is designated as National 9-1-1 Education Month, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is increasing public outreach efforts. The National 9-1-1 Education Month program encourages all to learn how callers can help 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers provide the appropriate resources to Chicagoans and visitors in emergency situations… READ MORE 

The Path Ahead to Fix Rural 911 (VA)

by | Apr 4, 2021 | Articles, Comm Center News

A workgroup formed to research problems in Virginia’s 911 system recommends striving to retain staff and developing plans about how to transition into updated technology. In a meeting Wednesday, the E-911 Border Response Workgroup reviewed its recommendations that it will make to the General Assembly. The workgroup was created through an amendment to the 2020 budget, by Del David Reid (D-Loudoun)… READ MORE