Changes After Murder

Prince George’s County (Md.) officials say they have made some changes in the wake of a murder that highlighted dispatching issues. Vernon Herron, the county director of public safety, confirmed that two dispatchers and a supervior are on paid administrative leave while the investigation is completed. The victim dialed 911 to report his car was being taken by a tow truck, but the dispatcher believed it was being repossessed and told the man to call back within an hour to check on the car. The man followed the tow truck, and was shot and killed by someone in the truck. Herron said supervisors now must hold monthly meetings with dispatchers where a sampling of calls will be reviewed for compliance with procedures. “It’s a science that cannot be deviated from,” Herron told a reporter. He said 131 dispatchers handle about 4,000 telephone calls a day for police, fire and sheriff’s services. Read more about the aftermath here.