Dispatchers Disciplined After 911 Call

Three Denton (Tex.) dispatchers have been disciplined for their part in mis-handling a 911 call that reported a semi-conscious man on the sidewalk. One dispatcher received a 1-day suspension without pay, another received a written reprimand, and a supervisor was demoted. None was identified by comm center officials. According to police chief Roy Minter, the calltaker failed to identify herself upon request, and mis-coded the incident. The radio dispatcher failed to promptly send officers based on the CAD notes, and the supervisor failed to question the call and notify superiors. Minter said he’s now requiring dispatchers to identify themselves when answering every 911 call, and also made other change. Read more about a typical goof-up and the inevitable aftermath here.