|
|
Post by zoe10850 on Jun 23, 2006 1:38:57 GMT -6
The Advertiser actually did a piece of investigative reporting today (Thursday) on our 911 system, and how secretive it is. I noted that Acadian Ambulance is represented on the board. How does a private concern sit on a public board ? Acadian is not even quasi governmental, merely a government granted exclusive franchise. BTW, kudos to the Advertiser.
I hope to see a followup. I want to know why the 911 controls civil defense when they have no manpower (should be controlled by sheriff). How the system justifies so much tax money, and how rates were established.
Wouldn't it be logical to have the 911 operators controlled by the Sheriff, an actual police agency? Jefferson Parish does it that way, and it seems more efficient. The current director set the agency up so he would have a little empire (I do think he is very competent)
What is the point of calling 911, explaining situation to an operator with no police experience (wasting critical time) and then have them route call to appropriate police (or fire) agency and have to explain situation again ? They do have caller I.D. The call could be directed immediately by telephone prefix without wasting time.
Just one more government agency that should be consolidated.
|
|
|
|
Post by TBEAR on Jun 23, 2006 6:41:07 GMT -6
Good Point
|
|
|
|
Post by April on Jun 23, 2006 23:16:45 GMT -6
After watching the situation unfold in New Orleans, our "premier"city, with regard to politics and crime (coincidental pairing ?) I can't help but wonder why the city does not merge all the Assessors into one office, all the Clerks of Court into one, reduce by 1/2 the number of judges (who sit with empty dockets), merge the 2 Sheriff's into one and eliminate the New Orleans Police who apparently no longer know how to fight crime. I attribute the poor police department largely on the residence rule that Mayor Morial implemented about 10 or so years ago and the damage done to morale. Their police seem as inept as ours of late.
We need to review our entire political environment as well before we throw too many stones New Orleans way. Let's face it, our consolidated government is not consolidated, our police force needs a major overhaul or complete dismantling, our traffic is uncontrolled, our streets are a mess, there is litter everywhere, our schools are not exactly up to par (see St Tammany Parish), our representatives do not represent us (philosophically at least).
In general there is no focus on what government should or should not do. Government should not compete with free enterprise with tax dollars.Government should be open and readily accessible to the public, not secretive to the point that we work for the civil servants, not the other way around.
E-911 is just one more example of a secure little political empire. How dare a public employee exhibit an attitude like Mr Vincent. I would fire such a person on the spot, regardless of his ability. There is no place for arrogance in public servants (its in the name, you know, servant). And who cares what Mr Acadian thinks. Run your company. If you want to be involved directly in government, quit buying politicians and run yourself.
|
|
|
|
Post by April on Jun 24, 2006 0:00:48 GMT -6
Isn't the point of E-911 to speed up the process of directing the appropriate emergency workers where they are needed ? Why would anyone separate the E-911 dispatchers from the Sheriff's Office. For that matter, why aren't the dispatchers for all police and fire agencies in the same place. That would eliminate confusion. And who put Civil Defense under THAT agency (911 communications district)? And lets face it, 911 is just a number, it can ring anywhere, and it would be logical to place those who answer the call with an emergency response agency, not separate from all first responders, that is kinda crazy.
If I did not know better, I would say the taxpayers are being taken for a ride again.
|
|
percy
Full Member
Posts: 101
|
Post by percy on Jun 25, 2006 6:58:22 GMT -6
Can somebody explain to me why is 911 in charge of emergency preparedness?
They are not law enforcement and the staff answers ( but does not dispatch) 911 calls or otherwise exists to provide support to the answering center?
What do they have to with it?
Why isn’t the sheriff in charge of emergencies? He is the chief law enforcement official, he has lots of staff and deputies and equipment?
|
|
|
|
Post by TBEAR on Jun 25, 2006 7:44:32 GMT -6
I dont know, good question.
|
|
