Call 911 and You Hope Standard Procedures Get Followed

Of course humans make mistakes, so standard procedures don't always get followed.The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA - nvestigation into 911’s handling of fatal shooting indicates dispatcher didn’t follow procedures

An ex-boyfriend is calling and stating he wants to talk to his ex. Police are called, and told he is on the way and they are given an address. 911 sends units to a different address.

It took police 20 minutes to get to the aid of people calling for help. One of the people at that address was shot.

So, calling 911 is a good thing. But if you think it will automatically solve your problems, you are mistaken. In this case, help wasn't even sent when it could have done some good.

Is the person responsible going to be held accountable in any way?

It’s still too early to tell what disciplinary action will be taken as a result of the findings, said 911 Director Patricia Smith.

“At this time we have not taken any action, yet. We will take disciplinary action,” Smith said.

Likely outcome? Suspension. Possible dismissal, but the unions will have something to say about that.

For some number of minutes after you call 911 you are on your own. (It does take police time to reach you, or is there a cop in your driveway right now?) Depending on a lot of circumstances, that time may be quite long. It may be the rest of your life. I think you should have a plan for how you will spend that time. I have such a plan.