St. Louis progressing on filling out vacant police dispatcher positions

By Sean Malone, KMOX News | Dec 5, 2023

“ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis is progressing to filling out it's vacant police dispatcher positions.

St. Louis' police dispatch shortage has been a long-term issue in the city. There have have many problems when it comes to police dispatch, from residents having to wait almost half an hour to get someone to answer 911, only three dispatchers on watch over six districts at times, and so much more.

The city been actively trying to fill what was once 40 vacancies, and according to local leaders, they are filling those positions in good time.

According to St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones at a practicum with regional leaders aiming to curb violent crime in the greater St. Louis area, the city has been able to fill up slightly over two-thirds of the police vacancies, with the city only having thirteen vacancies left.

When it comes to EMS dispatching, the city only has three vacancies.

"We have been in a full court press to fill those vacancies," said Public Safety Director Charles Coyle.

The improvement comes after the most recent round of hires made by the city last week.

Jones says this is allowing the city to answer calls more swiftly.

"Most recent statistics show over 80% of calls are being answered within the first 10 seconds," said Jones.

Jones says the city's goal is to get have that number be around 90% and believes it is achievable.”

Read the full story at KMOX: