DISCUSSION: WHAT SOME POLICE CHIEFS, FIRE CHIEFS AND EMS CHIEFS ARE TELLING THEIR AGENCIES TO DO IN TERMS OF 9-1-1 CALLING ADVICE?

The Regional 9-1-1, Dispatch Radio Study, and Recommendations (9-1-1 Study) reports that the advice being given by some local emergency force locations include the following:

During our research we found several Stark County agencies admitted that advice they give their constituents is along these lines: 'Do not call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency. Call our seven digit number.'

The 911 Study then goes on to detail possible scenarios where this kind of advice could be a personal catastrophe for a 9-1-1 caller. The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT believes the errantadvice is well-meaning but extremely ill-advised. One has to wonder if the chiefs are checking with legal counsel on the potential legal fallout from such advice.

Why is this advice being given anyway? To protect the agency's turf?