Agenda - 02-18-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 print media in this area. We have discussed the possibility of bringing 911 awareness into the public schools, in conjunction with fire safety and law enforcement awareness efforts. The County's Management Analyst, Sharron Siler, will be coordinating our overall public information program on 911. The Chapel Hill Crime Task Force also revealed the perception of some members of the public that the 911 system and dispatchers do not respect the legitimate concerns that some people may have about maintaining anonymity in reporting crimes and other incidents. Our public information effort will explain that our dispatchers are well- trained and have logical reasons for handling calls the way they do. We will articulate the rationale behind established procedures which involve asking for and recording names and addresses of 911 callers, and explain why dispatchers ask certain questions. It will also assure citizens that dispatches are not delayed in critical or life - threatening situations while dispatchers gather information from callers. We will also outline the provisions that do exist for making anonymous reports. The media play a critical role in public perceptions about the effectiveness of 911 service in Orange County. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that the media is afforded the opportunity to report on system successes, as well as system failures. They cannot report what they do not know about. To that end, we have stepped up our efforts to make the media aware of positive events such as the incident involving dispatcher /citizen /law enforcement teamwork in apprehending a phony police officer (recreated on the "Rescue 911" television show), the HazMat training film, and the use of EMD by a dispatcher to provide CPR to a heart attack victim. To their credit, the media have responded positively on these stories, and we appreciate their efforts. Fair reporting, both good and bad, will strengthen our emergency service system and the public's faith in its integrity. CONCLQ8ICN one other theme that dominated my series of meetings was strong support and respect for Emergency Management Director Nick Waters and his efforts, from both his own staff and from the leaders of emergency response agencies. While a number of participants indicated that they do disagree with him on some occasions, Nick was cited for his work ethic, spirit of cooperation, sense of fairness, concern for employees, and the degree of pride and professionalism that he has promoted among his staff. They are a proud bunch, and I think deservedly so. Both Rod and I have observed these employees working behind the scenes, with little fanfare, under conditions that with less capable people would result in chaos. I have great respect for the job that our dispatchers 6