Phil Matier: Rookie Dispatcher Handled Oakland Mass Shooting Call
OAKLAND (KCBS) — The dispatcher on duty during Monday's mass shootings that killed seven people at Oikos University in Oakland had been on the job for about a year, according to authorities. The volume of calls is about the equivalent of handling five years worth in comparison to other cities.
On Tuesday Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan had nothing but praise for the way radio traffic was handled during the incident and met with dispatchers at 4 a.m.
"Our dispatchers are being counseled. I spoke to the dispatcher who took the call originally. She's doing fine," he said.
Phil Matier Reports:
According to Jordan, a lot of people will spend their entire career in law enforcement and probably never have to deal with a "confusing and hectic situation" like this.
First responders had the task of dealing with a possible active shooter, deal with the wounded and get others to safety.
In the meantime that dispatcher is getting a few days off to decompress.
Related Coverage:
Photo Gallery: Oikos University Shooting
Raw Audio: Police Dispatch Recordings From Rampage
Oakland Shooting Suspect Expelled, Felt Disrespected
Oakland Rampage Victims Were Young, Diverse
Police Search Underwater For Oakland Rampage Gun
Gun Control Debate Revived After Massacre
Oikos University Student: Locked Door Saved Our Lives
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