NEW YORK (WPIX)—
The NYPD is temporarily changing the way it handles 911 calls reporting fires.The old 911 system, which began in May, was designed to allow callers to speak only with NYPD 911 operators. The whole point was to eliminate the need for the operator to transfer callers to a fire dispatcher. Instead, operators took down the caller's information and transmitted the data electronically to the fire dispatcher.
However, that system was called into question after a fatal fire in Brooklyn last week. A father and his two children were killed after an information mix-up, which caused an alleged system delay. The FDNY denies the accusations.
Now, the new system -- effective immediatly -- combines NYPD and FDNY operators. Police call takers will now conference in a Fire Department operator who will listen to the call, have the opportunity to ask questions and verify the accuracy of the information sent to the Fire dispatcher. The change is intended to reduce the likelihood of inaccurate information being sent.
The new change "should not increase response time but will help train Police Call Takers as they take on this relatively new and important responsibility," the release stated.
The change will be in place until officials decide it's not needed.
