911 operators needed in Broward (BSO, Courtesy)
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) — A nationwide shortage of emergency 911 operators includes at least one South Florida county.
Broward County is looking to fill close to 90 empty dispatcher positions.
READ MORE: Expert: ‘Biggest Mental Health Crisis’ Post-Pandemic Affecting Children
Tuesday, Broward County commissioners held a meeting with Sheriff Gregory Tony about the situation which, according to a report by the Sun Sentinel, has led to thousands of unanswered 911 calls.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, there isn’t enough money to attract new workers or to keep those already employed from quitting.
Commissioner Mark Bogen urged Sheriff Tony to take immediate action.
READ MORE: Threat Leads Judge To Toss Entire Panel Of Potential Jurors At Parkland School Shooter Nikolas Cruz’s Death Penalty Trial
“I urge you to today, tomorrow, put those people on par, you got the money, you hear everyone is willing to give you what you need to help fill the remaining. You have the support. You could stop that problem right this second when you leave here so nobody will leave for other jobs,” said Bogen.
Sheriff Tony replied, “Excellent. I will put a strategy in place and come here with our needs assessment first, and then roll in whatever other creative elements that will make that work.”
The Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to make a presentation to County Commission on May 10 to discuss the financial relief the agency needs.
MORE NEWS: Florida Among Top States With Record Number Of Antisemitic Incidents In 2021, Says Jewish Civil Rights Group
According to the Sun Sentinel report, abandoned 911 calls, which are those that are disconnected before being answered, increased 26 percent from 2019 to 2021. And in February 2022, there were more than 14,000 abandoned calls.
