Letters to the Editor

Brethren & Sistren of the Headset

Published Sunday, November 8, 1998

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THE OBSERVER FORUM: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rousso, not 911, should be investigated In response to "Rousso's `sorry' applies only to use of profanity" (Nov. 5):

Councilman Al Rousso now wants to investigate police response to 911 calls. Apparently he believes that the best defense is a good offense.
Should I ever find myself requiring immediate police intervention, I hope help won't be unavailable because his convenience has been given priority over my safety.
CHERYL BENSON

Published Wednesday, November 11, 1998

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THE OBSERVER FORUM: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rousso episode exposes flaw in 911 system
In response to "Rousso's `sorry' applies only to use of profanity" (Nov. 5):

While I regret the language Al Rousso used to express his frustration and later his anger, I am concerned by a much more significant problem -- that is, the time it took for him to get a response from his 911 calls. The police department is, after all, only a few blocks from uptown. It is my hope that City Council will examine the response time for this and other 911 calls. It turned out not to be an emergency or life-threatening, but what if it had been!
LARRY THOMAS BLACK
Charlotte
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My experience with 911 clashes with Rousso's

A couple of months ago our family had occasion to experience the 911 fire engine-ambulance-emergency room routine. "Impressed" is not an adequate word. Prompt, competent and coordinated, these pros did a job that was nothing short of fabulous! Yes, our opinion of the 911 team is somewhat different from that of Al Rousso.
BROOKS ELY
Charlotte
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911 staffers brush off abuse to get job done
(The writer is director of communications/911, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police.)

In response to "Rousso's `sorry' applies only to use of profanity" (Nov. 5):

Every time E-911 rings, our telecommunicators deal with citizens expressing emotions from fear and anxiety to anger. Every call received is important to the caller -- it's our responsibility to prioritize how critical the reported incident is. Call-takers must obtain as much information about the incident as possible, regardless of the caller's demeanor or state of mind. They take their responsibilities seriously and do an excellent job of staying calm and handling every call as a professional, no matter what language or abuse is thrown their way.
CINDY CONLEY Charlotte

Published Saturday, November 14, 1998

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THE OBSERVER FORUM: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Rousso's apologies aimed at wrong people
In response to "Rousso's `sorry' applies only to use of profanity" (Nov. 5):

In my 24 years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, 18 as a supervisor in the Communications Bureau, I have never received or monitored a 911 call with so much disrespect shown to a public servant as the one from Al Rousso.
Mr. Rousso, it's time to apologize to the people who deserve your apology, not to the people you're trying to impress.
NORMAN SMITH
Charlotte

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