Pittsburgh Shooting - 911 Operator Screw Up

[1776 Rebel]

It is coming out now that the 911 operator who received the initial call from the shooters mother WAS TOLD THE SON WAS ARMED. SHE DIDN'T PASS THE INFORMATION TO THE COPS RESPONDING.

How often does it seem that the 911 system is the weakest link in the chain? The old saying of "you get what you pay for" applies. Low pay, poor training, bad attitude, not the sharpest tools in the shed. And the end result...either civilians or cops get killed.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-pittsburgh-shooting,0,2918635.story

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Three police officers killed while answering a call about a woman fighting with her son didn't know the man had weapons, but a 911 operator did. She just didn't tell anyone.

The operator, who was hired in November, should have asked for more information and didn't relay even the basic information she had to police dispatchers, the official in charge of county dispatchers said Tuesday. She is now on paid administrative leave and is receiving counseling because supervisors are concerned about her well-being.

[2HOW]

Regardless of the info you cant just walk in to a house in a situation like this. I dont know all the details but for 3 officers to be shot down shows very poor training and tactics. Its very sad.

[Speedyfish]

2HOW, I agree that it is sad.  I do not agree with what you wrote before and after "...I don't know all the details..."  We can and do walk into unknown situations every working day. 

[tombogan03884]

Domestic dispute calls lead to more Cop injuries than any other call. Any Officer who responds to one "fat dumb and happy" is asking for trouble.

[cookie62]

It is coming out now that the 911 operator who received the initial call from the shooters mother WAS TOLD THE SON WAS ARMED. SHE DIDN'T PASS THE INFORMATION TO THE COPS RESPONDING.

How often does it seem that the 911 system is the weakest link in the chain? The old saying of "you get what you pay for" applies. Low pay, poor training, bad attitude, not the sharpest tools in the shed. And the end result...either civilians or cops get killed.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-pittsburgh-shooting,0,2918635.story

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Three police officers killed while answering a call about a woman fighting with her son didn't know the man had weapons, but a 911 operator did. She just didn't tell anyone.


I have to  disagree with your statements about 911. Our TC's also answer 911 calls, they are professionally trained and are our only link when we are on a call. To generalize that they are all bad is like saying all gun owners are killers. They take their job very seriously. I know more than one that has quit because they couldn't handle the pressure of being an LEO's lifeline when on a call. Sure they get pissed off over prank calls. But I have also seen there faces when they get a child not breathing call and have to talk a frantic parent through CPR until the bus arrives. And by the way they are pretty well paid.

The operator, who was hired in November, should have asked for more information and didn't relay even the basic information she had to police dispatchers, the official in charge of county dispatchers said Tuesday. She is now on paid administrative leave and is receiving counseling because supervisors are concerned about her well-being.

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[Speedyfish]

tombogan03884,

 "I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post."

You're welcome, sleep well.

[tombogan03884]

tombogan03884,

 "I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post."

You're welcome, sleep well.

I did that in the Marines and the Guard you pompous ass. There was nothing in my post for a REAL "Protector of the community" to be offended by. But I can see where it might piss off some badge happy blowhard.

[JSC3ATLCSO]

Wow.. As an 8 year veteran of 911 dispatching this is a very bad deal.. I am from a "po-dunk" county in Iowa and as we have one of the Best Trainers in the nation for dispatchers her words not mine "Only 2% of the 'worlds' population has the mentality to be a dispatcher."  I firmly believe that.  It takes a messed up mind and little OCD.  I have seen many dispatchers come and go.  I can't imagine what the dispatcher is going through right now.  Def need more information about this.  I don't trust the news media enough to believe anything they say as I have been there done that.  It is almost shocking that there wasn't a trainer standing over this young dispatcher while this call was going on.. Dispatch is a very demanding job.  So.. Don't bash too hard until you sit behind the radio for a while.

J

[Speedyfish]

tombogan03884,

I would never dishonor your service to our Country and I thank you.  I have served as an LEO for over 21 years.  I'm sorry if I was sensitive to the post.  I have buried friends over the years who have given the ultiimate sacrifice, as I'm sure you have.  My post was a defensive reaction that was unprofessional and I hope you forgive me. 

JSC3ATLCSO,

I could not do your job in dispatch.  You guys have saved my a$$ more than a few times.  I appreciate how hard your job must be, but we couldn't do it without you...

[tombogan03884]

tombogan03884,

I would never dishonor your service to our Country and I thank you.  I have served as an LEO for over 21 years.  I'm sorry if I was sensitive to the post.  I have buried friends over the years who have given the ultiimate sacrifice, as I'm sure you have.  My post was a defensive reaction that was unprofessional and I hope you forgive me. 

JSC3ATLCSO,

I could not do your job in dispatch.  You guys have saved my a$$ more than a few times.  I appreciate how hard your job must be, but we couldn't do it without you...

It was probably the "fat dumb and happy" description, that's a phrase that has been around since at least WW II to describe some one with the mindset that their whole life has been boring routine up till now so it will probably continue that way.