Discipline for Road Rage Call Handling

Two Houston (Tex.) Emergency Center dispatchers were disciplined for their handling of a road rage shooting on Interstate 610 west of downtown. No one was injured, but the motorist who dialed 911 said the calltaker was reluctant to dispatch officers and criticized his inability to give details about the suspect vehicle. The victim claimed the calltaker asked him, “What, you want me to pull resources for this?” City officials have refused to release the tape of the man’s 911 call in response to media requests, saying the investigation is on-going. HEC spokesperson Joe Laud said two dispatchers were disciplined and ordered to undergo training. He said in the future, road rage incidents or reports of drivers with weapons will be broadcast over all police channels. Strangely, he said the new policy should be in place by the year’s end.