Re: 911:: Relevant Call Taker Questions

[Guest guest]

I do not want to be misunderstood. I thought this would be an in

interesting question for a training discussion as it was not the usual kind

of citizen report resulting from a public BOLO. I agree with the comments

I have read, and was not criticizing the call taker, or claiming any

mistakes were made. However, by examining one-off situations we can hone

our skills, and spotlight some less obvious consequences of procedure. My

questions were points to think about.

In my opinion this situation represented a case where the context made all

the difference. The call taker knew, or should have known that no

description of the suspect was known to the public. So the proximity of

the search area to the report of the intruder was highly relevant by

itself. I think the question, in this case, had the possibility of

confusing the caller, which may have resulted in a dispatch delay. This

might have given the suspect the opportunity to continue evasion. Further,

a delay in transmitting the report to the units in the field had the

potential to be an officer safety issue. They might have stumbled across

the trailer, before being advised of the intruder call, and unknowingly

encountered the suspect who had already shown a willingness to kill the them.

I agree that verifying information to better understand how to handle it is

the responsibility of any good call taker. It's always a judgement

call. and that is what keeps it interesting. An understanding of how we

make those judgements only makes us better.

I am humbly stepping down from the podium, and checking the fit of the kevlar.

[Guest guest]

I must have missed some good conversation on this thread....

>Certainly I have a better understanding that there are times

when the reward of asking those questions are minimal compared

to the consequences of a delay.<

Being able to determine those times, and ask the IMPORTANT

questions in a manner which will give you the answers you

NEED, is one of those things which mark the difference

between a person who dispatchers.. and a..DISPATCHER.

(or call-taker)....

>However, they should have a proper amount of information to

process the call and you are absolutely correct that what the

proper amount is truly is a judgment call.<

Being able to make this judgment is another.

Weintraut

[Guest guest]

Wallach wrote:

< I am humbly stepping down from the podium, and checking the < fit of the

kevlar.

Don't be too sorry for your involvement in what I thought was one of the better

threads. I've been in this business long enough that I was (sob, gasp, choke!)

actually already managing a PSAP when my new hires were born, and I still find

these discussions enlightening. It's always good to hear a variety of opinions,

and to learn how other people deal with problems. As an administrator, It also

helps me tremendously to compare the issues raised here with the issues raised

in my center.

Even though some have become more cautious in what they post, I would encourage

free and open discussion on all issues, because without it, nothing ever

changes.

[Guest guest]

I appreciate the very kind comments. For those who have seen my posts, you

know I do not have a problem speaking my mind. I was joking about needing

the kevlar. I never thought I would be " attacked " by Charlie or anyone

else on this list (well maybe not everyone, but that is another

story). It was just a feeble attempt at some humor so as not to sound too

preachy. I promise that you all will continue to hear from me, and

consider that a warning

And a special note to Barry. I will race you to the oil can; we will see

who squeaks more young fella.

> Wallach wrote:

>< I am humbly stepping down from the podium, and checking the < fit of the

>kevlar.

>Don't be too sorry for your involvement in what I thought was one of the

>better threads. I've been in this business long enough that I was (sob,

>gasp, choke!) actually already managing a PSAP when my new hires were

>born, and I still find these discussions enlightening. It's always good to

>hear a variety of opinions, and to learn how other people deal with

>problems. As an administrator, It also helps me tremendously to compare

>the issues raised here with the issues raised in my center.

>Even though some have become more cautious in what they post, I would

>encourage free and open discussion on all issues, because without it,

>nothing ever changes.