NCJ Number
120168
Journal
Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (May 1989) Pages: 329-344
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article examines the interaction of 911 operators with callers and grew out of an applied research project aimed at providing descriptive information of call-taker activity to use in developing a training program for 911 personnel.
Abstract
The study is based on both 36 hours of participant observation, and on an analysis of 265 randomly recorded telephone contacts between citizens and police emergency operators over a 24-hour period. Operators use the initial data from callers to construct a definition of an event that makes sense organizationally. The interpretive work of the 911 operators places them in the category of street-level bureaucrat. They remake clients to fit the agency criteria of service. In assessing 911 operations, researchers and police administrators need to look in two directions. Focusing externally, there is a need to work with citizens, upgrade equipment and train operators in how to elicit better details from callers. This would improve the quality of incoming data. Looking internally, it is necessary to recognize the importance and power of 911 operators. 1 note, 22 references, 1 table. (Author abstract modified)