Legislature backs 911 call takers in an effort to improve public safety

Erie County Legislator Lynne Dixon announces that the Legislature unanimously approved a resolution in support of improving the work environment for E-911 call takers. Legislator Dixon cosponsored a resolution with several of her colleagues in response to a letter sent from 20 Central Police Services employees asking for assistance. The employees requested that the Legislators support them in any way they can to revise their current schedule to alleviate some of the stress caused by their demanding shifts.

 

“The E-911 call takers are the first line of defense. They are the first person to offer assistance to someone in crisis and we need to ensure they are able to that job to the best of their ability. We accomplish that by supporting their request to adjust their shifts, which will bring with it many benefits. The Legislature goes on record as supporting the will of the E-911 call takers to vote on their shift as they can determine what is best,” said Legislator Dixon. “We have seen in other departments that changing to a 12-hour shift from a 21-day wheel schedule for call takers can result in cost savings to the county, while also boosting morale among the workers. As it stands right now, the 911 call takers are being negatively impacted physically, emotionally and mentally by their current work environment and this needs to be addressed.”

 

The resolution will be sent to the Commissioner of Labor Relations and Personnel in hopes that continued to support for their change will bring about much-needed change for the call takers.

 

For additional information, please contact Legislator Dixon at 858-8671 or e-mail lynne.dixon@erie.gov.

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