Perspective – Virginia Tech Shootings

The nation’s thoughts and prayers go out to the students and staff of Virginia Tech University (Virg.), and especially to the families of the shooting victims. Even during this period of mourning and grief, another period has begun–scrutiny and questioning by the press and public. Among the targets will be the VT’s police department, including the agency’s dispatchers. Over the next weeks, every 911 call, radio transmission, written notation and action will be scrutinized and criticized. Every dispatcher across the nation should reflect on these tragic events, and realize that it could have happened in their jurisdiction. As well, we should hold good thoughts for the dispatchers at Virginia Tech, who face months of challenges ahead as they deal with their day-to-day jobs, but also with the on-going examination of this tragic day. The dispatchers deserve all the support we can give them. [911 CARES info]