Comments on: Sheriff: April Fool’s Joke Not Funny

By: AZdispatcher

AZdispatcher — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 02:28:22 +0000

I certainly do not condone this type of “joke”, however we should keep in mind that agencies operate differently depending where they are located and how large they are. Metro area centers typically do not have the mentality they can “joke” with their officers using calls. However, it’s not unheard of for a small town to make up a barking dog call to mess with an officer who is difficult or offends a dispatcher.

Does this make it right? Not at all, but if the mentality has already been established that says a small “fudge” on a call, like a barking dog, is no big deal, then maybe this dispatcher thought April Fools would allow him to go a little further. It may also explain why the “others” didn’t stop or prevent him from following through with his joke.

Just saying, there may be more than meets the eye here. I don’t think this is a situation that requires we automatically “throw the book” at him, but it certainly requires some review, disciplinary action and a revist of applicable policy/proceedures.

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:00:42 +0000

Where was this Dispatcher’s training? It would appear this person was extremely immature and should have been filtered out as such during an intensive fto process. Everyone in the center who was aware of the “joke” should be disciplined for not stopping it immediately. Lives were put at risk as well as the integrity of the entire department. The supervisor on down need time off no pay and this “Dispatcher” needs to be fired and if any other agency calls asking about them – tell the truth about why they no longer work for you.

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:05:00 +0000

April fools joke, what an ass, those involved should be FIRED, no exceptions.