911 Calls Go Unanswered New Orleans

911 Calls Go Unanswered New Orleans

Recently, an uptown New Orleans woman´s barking dog scared off a would-be burglar. The woman made two 911 calls and didn’t get an answer.  She then called the New Orleans Police Department’s (NOPD) non-emergency line twice and, again, no answer. She then called NOPD’s Second District Police Station and there she finally got an answer. Unfortunately, though, the family had to wait almost two hours after the 911 calls were made for an officer to come to their home.

Apparently lack of staffing is creating a problem for the NOPD.

A local TV station reports that together with a reduction of NOPD officers on the street, the Orleans Parish Communication District only has 36 call-takers; which is less than half of the recommended number.

New Orleanians have renewed trust in city government thanks to the new mayor.  Just recently, new faces were elected to serve on the city council as well as to other important city offices. We demand that city officials will take the necessary steps to beef up 911 Emergency Calls.  Citizens in all our neighborhoods have a right to feel safe, specially inside their homes, and have the right to expect to reach a 911 operator when you dial 911

I am Attorney Martin E. Regan, Jr. and these are my personal thoughts..