Investigation Criticizes Center

In the wake of a missing woman being found dead along a rural Washington highway, an investigation found that the Grays Harbor E911 Center has flaws that discourage teamwork, dispatcher initiative and problem-solving. The critical review was prompted after a witness spotted the woman’s car driving erratically, but that sighting wasn’t broadcast to patrol units because of other incidents occurring at the time. An E911 board subcommittee completed the report, making some recommendations on missing person procedures, but then going on to outline several management practices that stifle dispatcher questions and individual thinking. Read more here. [Editor-The report is only available on paper. DISPATCH Monthly has purchased a copy of the report from the E911 Board for $177 and will report on it in a future issue.]