Let’s at least learn from our mistakes

A few years ago I decided to put the 911 number into speed dial and didn’t realize that my attempt had caused the phone to ring at 911. Within minutes, I had two deputies from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office on my doorstep wanting to know why I’d called 911. I explained, but they insisted on coming into my house and checking to make sure that no one was holding a gun on me.

Though I felt foolish, I was pleased to know that a prompt, conscientious and thorough Sheriff’s Office was protecting me.

I believe the King County Sheriff’s department when they say that the murders in Carnation were over by the time they arrived at the house, which was a half-hour after the call to 911. Most crimes from rape to murder to bank robbery take less than a half hour to perform.

Protocol should dictate that a call to 911 followed by a hang-up is a matter of concern and requires a prompt response. And if someone calls 911 and you hear yelling in the background, it’s more likely to be a call for help than a party.

We need to at least learn from our mistakes.

Beatrice Stein

Granite Falls