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Now is the time
for 911 consolidation
By Robb Pitts
Fulton County Commissioner District 2, At-Large
Last month’s incident
involving the death of a 13-year-old soccer player highlights the urgency
of the issue of 911 consolidation in Fulton County.
Why did it take nearly 14 minutes for emergency responders to arrive on
the scene? Due to a computer glitch, first
responders at the fire station three blocks away from the school were
not aware of the situation. Would a faster response time have resulted
in a different outcome? We don’t know. But we shouldn’t have
to ask the question.
As far back as my days as a member, then president, of the Atlanta City
Council, I have advocated for the consolidation of duplicate government
services. Usually, consolidation is a cost-saving measure. In the
case of 911 services, the stakes are even higher.
Several years ago, I and Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin met with
former Chairman Mike Kenn to discuss the consolidation of the 911 emergency
dispatch system between Fulton County and the City of Atlanta. We
agreed then that it was absolutely imperative to consolidate the 911 system
across all jurisdictions in the county, but were unable to get the support
of then Mayor Bill Campbell. And, just this year, I brought the issue
before the Board of Commissioners again. In June, the Board voted to initiate
discussions with other municipalities regarding consolidation.
The issue becomes more pressing each day. Population is on the rise in
Fulton County, and, with more people, come more emergencies. Cell phone
calls also make responses more complicated. We need one system to meet
everyone’s needs.
Unfortunately, we have received a disappointing level of response to our
initial proposal from Fulton’s 10 cities to begin talks on 911 consolidation.
We have also proposed that a joint consolidation feasibility study be
prepared with the City of Atlanta and have been waiting to hear from the
City.
I challenge all cities within Fulton County to come forward and begin
the process of 911 consolidation. This is no mere turf battle. Efficient
and effective government service, especially in matters of life and death,
is the least any taxpayer has a right to expect. We must do all that is
in our power to protect citizens’ lives.
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