Even the Chronicle can sense the Houston Emergency Center is becoming a problem, which explains why the paper has a story on it. And not just another op-ed. Oh no, it’s a two-reporter story. This must be serious.
The piece doesn’t have a whole lot of new information, but it does have some quotes from HPD chief Harold Hurtt that are not inspiring:
Hurtt said the departments are “working very diligently,” and he hopes the analysis by MITRE will help get the center running smoothly.
“We’ve hired a third party to come in and review the system and process, and give us some insight on what our next step should be,” Hurtt said. “We have to fix this problem. Next year at this time we should not be having these discussions.”
It’s unclear what departments Chief Hurtt thinks are working so diligently, but I don’t think that has ever been a complaint. The complaints are technology that doesn’t work, inadequate training and staffing for employees, and leadership that isn’t. Chief Hurtt’s comment that by this time next year everything should be swell is not very reassuring. Let’s hope nothing bad happens between now and then!
Chief Hurtt continues with some thoughts on the study that is now being conducted:
Hurtt said he is not convinced the analysis will solve the problem.
“The investment has been made,” he said. “I don’t think we are at a point where we can say, ‘OK, let’s close the building and build a new system and move.’ … That may be the final answer.”
Goodness gracious. He’s not sure the analysis will solve the problem? He doesn’t think the building should be closed and a new system built, but that’s what may have to be done? If it comes to that, who’s going to foot the bill?
And last, one bit of nitpicking with the story:
In November, the dispatch center’s telephone system broke down for more than an hour, causing delays for people calling for help.
I don’t understand why the reporters didn’t mention the December system breakdown that lasted 13 hours. $53 million and the dispatchers had to resort to using pen and paper to handle emergency calls. Unbelievable.
