Dispatcher Mistake Leads to Citizen Distrust

A forgetful Sedalia (Mo.) police dispatcher has touched off community debate after no officers were sent in response to a 911 call from the home of a woman who was later found murdered. Police chief John DeGonia publicly apologized for the error, but had an explanation: the dispatcher who fielded the 911 call was interrupted by a burglary in progress incident, and never returned to handle the first call. Investigators found Rebekah Marcus, 76, dead inside the home about 90 minutes later when a health care worker arrived at the victim’s home. DeGonia said the 911 call from the Marcus home was an open line and the dispatcher heard no sounds. He added that investigators believe that Marcus was most likely dead when the call was made. He did not say who made the call, how the call ended or name the involved dispatcher. He told reporters that the comm center’s policies are sufficient, but simply weren’t followed in this case. A local newspaper editorial stated, This incident most certainly undermines public trust in the Sedalia Police Department and raises doubts about officers’ responses in times of need. We must hope that DeGonia’s efforts will ensure that all 911 calls receive the attention and response they deserve.” Read a news account here, and the newspaper’s critical editorial here.