One WC Dept's Insane Excuse For Not Switching To 60 Contro

[x635 4,066]

Recently, I heard something that was so ridiculous I had to share it here. This is a fine example of one of the many aspects that continues to hold Westchester back.......out of touch, ignorant and insane commisioners.

In discussion with friend of mine, he stated that his department, that currently dispatches locally, would not switch to 60 Control because one of its line officers "works for 60 Control" and the commisioners felt that would be a conflict of interest.

Is this officer a dispatcher? NO. HE WORKS PART-TIME in the Training Division!!!!!! This officer-in-question is a progressive and professional guy who has very good record, and would be a neutral party IMO. He does think his department would benefit from this switch, as do many members below him.

However, the commisioners felt "it was the same thing" and will not even consider it while he works at the WCFTC and is an officer in that department.

Is it just me, or is this absolutely nuts?

[Remember585 815]

:-k We don't have commissioners, but we're in the same boat!

Fearing rivalry, vendettas or a war, our "top brass" seem to be dragging their feet on a problem that continues to get worse.

I really think it will take a death in our case to change things.

And no, I don't mean killing off the Chief!!!!

Seriously though, all incidents begin with the initial dispatch. If things go wrong from the start, they will continue to suffer throughout. Having people on the other side of our radios whom are trained and dedicated to provide us with as much as they can is something we should all take advantage of. I can't believe that 2005 is knocking on the door and we're still having this discussion!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE. If your local dispatch isn't cutting it, do something now before it's too late!!!

[Shantz02 0]

Anyone else find it a little strange that some departments will do everything in their power to be able to dispatch themselves, yet once dispatched on a run, they turn over dispatching duties to 60 control for other alarms at the same time?

Its almost like saying 60 isnt good enough to dispatch the first call, but they can 'pick up the slack' if something else were to come in. Im my opinion, its more difficult to 'pick up the slack'. When that occurs, 60 must now determine which units are out on the first call and which are available for other alarms.

If a department wishes to be self dispatched, then they should get their own radio frequencies and should hire full time 24 hour a day dispatchers. If westchester county were to enforce some sort of guideline to that effect, i think we would see a lot more departments transferring completely to 60 control.

[Pudge3311 5]

x635,

I think that is probably one of the stupidest things I have heard in a long time. What would happen if he stepped down, they transfered, and then he got reelected? Would they then go back to self dispatch because he is the chief again?

[DOC22 1]

x635, I only have one word for that move LAME!!!!!! [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X [-X