New Orleans Mayoral Spokesperson, Beau Tidwell says a woman was reportedly put on hold for 43 seconds after calling 911, is due to a high call volume and a staffing shortage at the Orleans Parish Communications District.
“It is our understanding that the core of this was an isolated incident that happened a couple of nights ago, where an individual was placed on hold for 43 seconds before the call-taker was able to pick up,” Tidwell explained.
He says a police officer was dispatched to the location in that incident.
“But there was a wait time of 43 seconds. We know understand that when you call for an emergency, every second can seem extremely long, and 43 seconds seems extremely long. However, given the overall call volume that we were experiencing that weekend, it was answered as quickly as it could,” said Tidwell.
The call was handled appropriately according to Tidwell. He says a shortage of staff at the call center is a problem the OPCD is working on.
“Just like dispatch all over the country, high call volume and staffing challenges are a problem at OPCD right now,” said Tidwell.
Tidwell says the Orleans Parish Communications District is working to fill their job vacancies with a new recruiting class adding 20 people on October 18.
