Dispatcher Apologizes For Insensitive Remarks

Norfolk (Virg.) dispatcher Jessica Camarillo called a reporter at WAVY-TV and asked for the opportunity to make a public apology for remarks she posted on a Facebook page last month. Camarillo’s posting suggested that the family of a man shot and killed by police should pay for the bullets that killed him, and other police response expenses. During the extraordinary TV interview at her apartment Camarillo explained that her posting was intended to “lighten the mood” of anger that was generated after the incident. In fact, the posting had the opposite effect, polarizing the community over the police shooting. At one point Camarillo became emotional, saying she truly cares about the people who call for help, and that she treats everyone equally. Her full posting stated, “I think the officers should sue the family for putting the officers lives in danger, making detectives work past the time they were suppose to get off, the gas it took for them to get to the scene, the bullets used, the hospital bills, the equipments needed for forensics, and making me work the channel instead of reading my hot sexy book…LOL.” The single mother told the reporter that she does not believe the family should pay anything, and said she does not read books during her shift. After learning of the posting, the city suspended Camarillo without pay, and recommended termination. Update: Questions have been raised whether Camarillo received appropriate representation and due process through the disciplinary process. Update: