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Editor's note: In the December 2009 print edition of American Police Beat an article published under the headline "Confidence is lacking," contains several serious errors. We incorrectly stated that it was the Oklahoma City dispatchers that F.O.P. Lodge No. 111 had concerns about regarding training and performance. In fact F.O.P. Lodge No. 111 represents the interests of police officers in Wicomico County, Oklahoma, including the city of Ada. The article also misidentified F.O.P. Lodge No. 111 President Michael Jackson as the President of a police association in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City is not within Wicomico County limits. We would like to apologize for the errors and any confusion that may have resulted from the errors. The mistakes have been corrected in this version of the article.
Ask any seasoned cop what the most critical law enforcement function is in terms of officer safety and you're likely to get the same answer- communications. All the equipment, training and back up in the world aren't going to get you out of a jam if you can't communicate effectively with your fellow officers. Dispatchers are the critical link in that process. And that's exactly why cops and their union in Ada, Oklahoma are nervous.
Police union members met with city officials recently to address a vote of no confidence in the central dispatch system that directs emergency phone calls in the area. According to FOP Lodge No. 111 President Michael Jackson the police union expressed a lack of faith in the 911 dispatchers in October when members voted 30 to 1 that issues at the dispatch center are a threat to the safety and lives of law enforcement officers. The main issue according to Mr. Jackson is that dispatchers are not able to communicate effectively with law enforcement officers. "When it comes to knowing what police need, they don't know," Jackson said.
That's enough to send chills down the spine of any peace officer. Whether you're pinned down by gunfire, desperately in need of back-up, or wounded and praying with every fiber of your being the medics will arrive in time a good dispatcher and a good communications system are probably your best bet in terms of survival.
The complaints from officers about dispatchers are as numerous as they are serious. In at least one instance, Mr. Jackson said, dispatchers did not alert officers about shots fired at a scene or that guns were even involved. On other occasions officers have become lost because of dispatchers' instructions and directions. There have been issues since dispatch centralized operations and moved from the jail about six years ago, according to Jackson.
According to the union, city officials have agreed to allow a certified instructional officer to meet with dispatch employees once a month to communicate some of the officers' areas of concern. Alvin Files, city attorney and assistant city manager, said there has been dialogue between law enforcement and city officials.
"We did have discussions. We received indications that there was some concern and we are in the process of trying to resolve things," he told reporters with the Associated Press. City spokesman Mark Bratcher would not comment on any specific agreements, nor whether any goals have been set. Pontotoc County Sheriff John Christian said his department also has encountered problems with dispatch.
"The main issue I've seen is training," he told reporters. "We have so many people circulating through there, with high turnover." Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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