Community Corner

Dispatch Director Responds To Lunch Break Criticism

Director Maureen Will says an announcement asking dispatchers not to leave to pick up lunch was made in response to an expected influx of calls around the Dec. 14 anniversary and information releases.

Newtown Emergency Communications Director Maureen Will has responded to a post on Newtown Patch that accused the dispatch center's management of denying lunch breaks to dispatchers.

The post, from Rob Stanwich, was entitled "what is going on here?" Stanwich said he found the situation "disturbing and unrealistic" and added he'd bring lunch for dispatchers. But Will said the blog had its facts wrong about the reality for dispatchers at the center and their duties.

Her response, in its entirety:

Before this becomes a dumping ground, let's put all the facts on the table.

First, this is NOT the Newtown Police Dispatch Center; we are merely housed at the police station but are a completely separate entity from them.

Second, the request for bringing your food for the day was in preparation for the increased numbers of calls and walk-in requests for information that we were expecting during this month. In preparation for the release of the report, tapes and the upcoming anniversary date of our town's tragic event, ALL dispatchers were told that leaving the building to pick up lunch was not an option.

It is true that lunch is eaten at their desks and this is the way business has been conducted since this dispatch center opened. We operate with two dispatchers at all times in order to insure the safety the officers, and the timely dispatch of Police, Fire and EMS to any warranted emergency. Having one dispatcher gone for up to 1/2 hour to pick up lunch could compromise operations if the one dispatcher is handling walk-ups and telephone requests for information regarding memorials, where to send items and general information regarding the town and what will be done for the 14th. Throw in constant calls from the media for information request and one dispatcher can be overwhelmed quickly.

The "LUNCH" issue was put into place to prevent any disruption in service and not tax one person. This protocol, similar to the bringing in of extra duty officers for area protection is under review on a daily basis and may or may not be lifted at a time when it is deemed appropriate.

Third, there are labor laws that speak to lunch and the time available. We fall under a very specific category that is also spoken to in the CT Labor laws and I suggest you become very familiar with them before you strike out again ... This mandate was put in place to again insure that the town was safe and secure and that the dispatchers were not overly taxed during this time of increased anxiety and sadness.

Fourth, it was because of what they went through and endured over the past year that this was put in place so I thank you for recognizing what they have been through, now let this lay where it is! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me — my direct line is 203-270-4296.


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