Dispatcher E-Mailed Grisly Photos

A California Highway Patrol dispatcher obtained grisly photos of an accident scene from a CHP officer friend, and then e-mailed them to others, the Patrol has told the family of a dead woman who appeared shown in the photos. The photos included one in which the woman was shown nearly decapitated by the accident, prompting the family’s anguish when they were posted on several Web siets, and also their intent to sue the CHP. The CHP has not named the dispatcher. According to a letter the CHP sent to the family, the dispatcher was assigned to the Orange County comm center, but officials said they were precluded from revealing what, if any, action was taken against the employee. The CHP apologized to the family in the letter, said they’ve taken “appropriate action” to prevent a reoccurrance, and that they’re attempting to have the photos taken down from several Internet sites.