Richland wants to stop 911 abuse
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RICHLAND, Wash. - Richland wants to take a stand against so-called 911 abusers who use the service for everything from advice on how to cook their Thanksgiving turkey to what time it is.
{Operator:} "What's your emergency?"
{Caller:} "I'm locked inside my car and I cannot open my car, I can't get the windows down, nothing electrical works."
It sounds silly, but the caller didn't realize she didn't need electricity to get out of her own car.
Cases like these take time away from someone who might need it in a real emergency.
Carol Fladager said, "I've had incidents in my life where it's been questionable whether or not but you think about it twice. Think about it, is it something you want to get the services all away from something that might be a little bit more important."
Benton County dispatchers took in close to 80-thousand 911calls last year. They say roughly 625 were bogus. This year is on pace to pass that. They now answer about 18 random 911 calls a week. That could reach almost 950 for the year if it continues.
County 911 dispatch services over 1700 square miles, around 165,000 people and with budget constraints they're also trying to do more with less.
Richland will consider a new ordinance to try to stop foolish 911 calls.
The city would hold abusers accountable for the money it costs to respond to their calls. Everyone would get two free passes a year.
After that the police and fire departments could decide to deny services. Dispatch service for 911 calls will not be interrupted.
Benton County Dispatch manager, James Barber said, "We'll provide the same service to any caller with courtesy. We don't necessarily have to agree with them, but we'll provide them the courtesy and try to give them the service they're asking for."
Carol Fladager says it's about time.
She continues, "If it's going to be something that you think twice because you might get a citation or something, then I think it's a great idea."
Saving time that might end up saving a life.
County Commissioners will consider adopting the ordinance in the fall.
Dispatchers recommend calling 211 for information instead of 911. You can get questions answered about anything from food to employment.
{Operator:} "What's your emergency?"
{Caller:} "I'm locked inside my car and I cannot open my car, I can't get the windows down, nothing electrical works."
It sounds silly, but the caller didn't realize she didn't need electricity to get out of her own car.
Cases like these take time away from someone who might need it in a real emergency.
Carol Fladager said, "I've had incidents in my life where it's been questionable whether or not but you think about it twice. Think about it, is it something you want to get the services all away from something that might be a little bit more important."
Benton County dispatchers took in close to 80-thousand 911calls last year. They say roughly 625 were bogus. This year is on pace to pass that. They now answer about 18 random 911 calls a week. That could reach almost 950 for the year if it continues.
County 911 dispatch services over 1700 square miles, around 165,000 people and with budget constraints they're also trying to do more with less.
Richland will consider a new ordinance to try to stop foolish 911 calls.
The city would hold abusers accountable for the money it costs to respond to their calls. Everyone would get two free passes a year.
After that the police and fire departments could decide to deny services. Dispatch service for 911 calls will not be interrupted.
Benton County Dispatch manager, James Barber said, "We'll provide the same service to any caller with courtesy. We don't necessarily have to agree with them, but we'll provide them the courtesy and try to give them the service they're asking for."
Carol Fladager says it's about time.
She continues, "If it's going to be something that you think twice because you might get a citation or something, then I think it's a great idea."
Saving time that might end up saving a life.
County Commissioners will consider adopting the ordinance in the fall.
Dispatchers recommend calling 211 for information instead of 911. You can get questions answered about anything from food to employment.
