View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2005 > August > 05 > Entry
In training
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just a quick note: I have been in training this week and haven’t been able to put out a report. I’ll have something out next week.
Comments
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By CJ
August 5, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this
Cops and their excuses…ha!
By Sara
August 6, 2005 3:15 AM | Link to this
Training for what…the insane asylum? ;) Just kidding. :) I’ll miss you, Detective — you’ve helped to restore my faith in law enforcement officials and other figures of authority. Have fun on your “training” runs down to the Krispy Kreme, and we’ll leave a light on for you here.
Not a crook, Sara
By Scooter
August 9, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this
Detective Rose - I know that Ball Ground is not your beat but any funny stories out of your hometown would be most enjoyable - Any “Stupid cow tipping” or “Tractor chases” in your neck of the woods ?
By Stephen
August 12, 2005 12:22 AM | Link to this
As a 911 dispatcher in a small Dekalb metro city on the north side, one of the most striking things that takes place every day is the number of callers who do dial 911 and give a vague description of where they are at.
For the ones who are clueless, here are a few simple but important rules whne using your cell phone to call 911.
The operator will… 1. Do his or her best at asking where you are at. But saying…”I’m on Buford Highway! Send police now!” will leave the frustrated dispatcher guessing the callers IQ at somewhere between minus 10 and plus 1.
Number 2. If lucky and not knowing the actual street address, look for something specific… “I am at Waffle House! Send the Police!” may help but really folks, do ya’ll have any idea just how many Waffle Houses there are on Buford Highway? So give the dispatcher something to work with if possible.
Number 3. When dispatcher figures out said callers location and advises you that police are indeed on the way, unless it is a very, very serious emergency do not expect a blue light and siren responce. And please unless there is a major change in the event do not call back and demand to know where the police are if less than 30 seconds have passed.
We have not yet been given clearance to mount warp engines on the Ford Crown Victoria’s that the officers drive.
So when the dispatcher seems puzzled when you give a street address, do not be alarmed or if you do call back and get a dispatcher who has no clue about the previous call, please review your current situation.
Also provide an accurate description of vehicles involved, colors etc, and it goes back to providing a good location. The less clear you are, the more time that it will take an officer to find you.
So folks please think about the call you make to 911. If you are not clear on the address or can’t even figure out where you are… there is the old standby. Go use a pay phone… At least the officer can find you there.
Stephen a 911 dispatcher
By Mike
August 12, 2005 5:57 AM | Link to this
I drove a tow truck for eight years in Atlanta. I was always amazed at the bad directions I got FROM police dispatchers. I was routinely told a car was at “Jimmy Carter Blvd. and P. I. B.
By Peter Tinkham
August 12, 2005 6:43 AM | Link to this
Also, the general population should know that 9-1-1 is for emergencies and 4-1-1 is for general information. Too many people are using 9-1-1 as if it’s 4-1-1.
By Stephen
August 13, 2005 12:24 AM | Link to this
Well unfortunately for us dispatchers inside a brick building, we can not see the wreck; so all we have to go on is the officer at the scene.