Milwaukee’s 911 dispatchers are under fire for inadequate training following a hit-and-run involving Milwaukee Alderman Lamont Westmoreland.
The alderman, a vocal opponent of reckless driving, became a victim himself at 87th and Lisbon. Despite trailing the offender for 20 blocks to capture the license plate, Westmoreland’s attempt to report the incident to 911 highlighted significant shortcomings in dispatcher training according to FOX 6 Milwaukee.
When Westmoreland relayed the plate number to the dispatcher, he was told to go to a police station to file a report. Frustrated, he argued that officers could be dispatched to his location, an option he knew was viable. The dispatcher, however, insisted that moving from the accident scene meant he had to pull over to receive assistance.
Westmoreland’s exasperation grew as the dispatcher failed to provide alternative solutions, such as meeting officers at the scene or his home. On Monday, he questioned city officials, including the emergency communications director, the fire and police commission’s executive director, and Milwaukee Police Department representatives, about the incident.
Emergency Communications Director Tony Bueno defended the dispatcher’s actions, noting that they do not take appointments for officers to meet callers at their homes. Milwaukee Police Department Assistant Chief Craig Sarnow emphasized the need for dispatchers to prioritize caller safety by advising them to pull over first.
Officials conceded that Westmoreland should have been offered options like meeting a squad at his current location or home. The abrupt end to the call, with hold music playing instead of a proper conclusion, further aggravated the alderman.
The city’s emergency communication leaders assured the Common Council’s public safety committee they would improve 911 dispatcher training to ensure callers receive comprehensive options. The dispatcher handling Westmoreland’s call was relatively new, underscoring the need for enhanced training protocols.
Westmoreland, uninjured from the incident, hopes these changes will prevent similar frustrations for future callers.