HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 08-08 Maplewood's dispatcher dilemma LILLIE NEWS ``I L ." LILLIE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS, INC.
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Maplewood's dispatcher dilemma
J\ The problem Maplewood faces concerning giving abandoned immediately. It is an injudicious use of a
`O police dispatchers more breaks during regular shifts supervisor's time and one which could prove more
14, is one, we believe, deserves further comment. costly in the long run for a variety of reasons.
doiTHIS PROBLEM is not unique to Maplewood. We believe that Dick Schaller, the city's public
Other departments of similar size in the metropolitan safety director, is an outstanding law enforcement
area have come to grips with the problem, aligning officer, running one of the highest-respected
i.,
themselves with the central dispatching services departments in the metropolitan area.
offered on a county-wide basis.
SCHALLER, not only is a competent department
City leaders have debated the pros and cons of head, but also a working officer. Readers may
using the Ramsey County system, one which, they remember the photos in last week's issue of the
feel, operates less than efficiently. Maplewood has Review taken at the 3M fire. It was Schaller pictured,
chosen to retain its autonomy in this area by con- riding the top of an extension ladder, wielding a fire
tinuing city-wide dispatching. axe to help fight the blaze.
BUT, WE believe, they may want to give further We believe Schaller should have the authority to
thought to using the county system, perhaps during solve the problems of his department and, if he
the"C"or 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. The proposal by the requests help, such should be given. There are few
mayor to bring a supervisor from home at 3 a.m. to benefits from interference. JGR
relieve the dispatcher is one, we hope, will be