Review finds problems with Seattle 911 call center
Published 1:04 pm Thursday, May 7, 2015
SEATTLE — An independent review of the Seattle 911 system found several critical problems, including busy signals for callers.
KIRO-TV reported that police in Seattle asked for a review of their 911 system after hearing complaints from the public.
The study also found that staff members were transmitting information to dispatchers on paper slips because the center’s software frequently froze.
Seattle resident Brad Renton says he helped initiate private neighborhood patrols by off-duty officers as an effort to circumvent the unreliable 911 system.
Renton says he supports Seattle police but wants the 911 system to work better.
Seattle Police Department Sgt. Sean Whitcomb called getting a busy signal when calling 911 “unacceptable.”
He said police are already working on solutions, like switching to newer technology and adding phone lines.
