Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: April 09, 2007

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Kacee Hargrave, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public safety communication week honors dispatchers

Sunday marked the beginning of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, which honors those who are literally the first line of emergency response.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week honors the many telecommunications professionals who provide 9-1-1 emergency assistance to citizens 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The idea to designate a week to honor communications officers was first conceived in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriff=s Office in northern California. Congress formally proclaimed this honorary week 10 years later. It is now permanently recognized each year.

While the individuals behind the voice are the ones who are being recognized during the week, callers can help them in their jobs by simply using the 911 System correctly.

A non-emergency telephone number is provided by the Shreveport Police Department for calls that are not actual emergencies. Those who don=t have an emergency can call 673-7300 and be directed to the right department that can help them. This frees up operators to answer true emergency 911 calls.

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View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews