Portland’s emergency communications head says budget woes threaten progress inside 9-1-1 call center

Potential budget cuts could threaten years’ worth of progress in Portland’s 911 center, where call volumes surged and wait times exploded after the COVID-19 pandemic.

KATU Investigates learned the average wait time to get a call taker when you dial 911 on the phone is the quickest it’s been in four years. The agency largely credited that to staffing gains, familiarity with new software, and a modest reduction in call volume in certain months.

KATU asked the Bureau of Emergency Communications director, Bob Cozzie, if he thought the worst was behind his agency. You can watch our full conversation with Cozzie here.

READ MORE: https://katu.com/news/katu-investigates/portland-budget-threaten-progress-911-center-call-emergency-wait-money-services-safety-oregon-crime-phone

_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:

KATU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katunews
KATU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KATUNews
Subscribe to KATU on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmDTerxNU_gvCWLkIPkqghA/?sub_confirmation=1

Daily News Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFtHM_AbvnEUkd_YRTlZpGKkbczT5w062

For more information, visit https://katu.com/

Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Email us: newstips@katu.com
Call the Newsroom: 503.231.4222

KATU is a OR based station and a ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today.

#KATU #Katu2abc #Portland #Oregon #localnews #oregonnews

Author: KATU News
Go to Source

News post in at: March 4, 2025, 3:00 am.

Visit Our Sponsor’s:
News.Science – News Science