Why does the 9-1-1 dispatcher ask so many questions? If I call with an emergency, time is crucial. Isn't the dispatcher wasting time by asking for so much information?
9-1-1 dispatchers are trained to ask specific questions to determine the most appropriate response for your emergency.
Wwhat if something happens to me and I can't speak? How can 9-1-1 help me?
When you dial 9-1-1 from a traditional telephone, one that is wired into a house or other building, the location from which you are calling is displayed on a computer screen in front of the 9-1-1 dispatcher. If you cannot speak, you are ill, or are being kept from talking by an intruder, leave the telephone off the hook. Any noise that we can hear will help us determine the most appropriate response. In cases of domestic violence, the victim often leaves the telephone off the hook and the dispatcher is able to determine the nature of the situation quickly and send the appropriate response.
I have a hearing impairment and can't communicate over a regular telephone line. What should I do if I need help in an emergency?
9-1-1 dispatchers are trained in the use of a TDD/TTY. It is not necessary to dial a separate number for TTD/TTY calls or to place these calls through a relay service. If you need help, simply dial 9-1-1. The dispatcher will recognize a TTD/TTY call and your call will be handled as quickly and efficiently as calls placed by non-impaired callers.
Can I call 9-1-1 from my cellular telephone?
Yes. Keep in mind that wireless calls sometimes present special problems for 9-1-1 centers and callers. Calls from wireless phones are answered by the 9-1-1 center closest to the cellular tower that the call is routed through. For example, a call placed to 9-1-1 from outside the city limits might be answered by the City of Ottawa because the cell tower that the caller is closest to is actually in the city. Be aware of this possibility when placing cellular 9-1-1 calls. Your call may take a few extra minutes to be routed to the correct agency.
Something else to remember about wireless 9-1-1 calls is that your location is not automatically displayed like it is from calls placed by traditional phones. Cellular technology does not yet provide for your location to be pinpointed by the 9-1-1 systems. If you are not familiar with your exact location, it is crucial that you give as much information about your surroundings as possible. If you have access to a traditional telephone in an emergency, use it. Although wireless telephone providers, the FCC, and 9-1-1 organizations are working together, we are still a few years away from making cellular 9-1-1 as effective as traditional 9-1-1 services.
What is the program objective?
This program is designed to help the child and family to deal with a problem situation in a corrective and constructive manner. It also saves time and money throughout the entire court process.
How are Peer Jury personnel selected?
The Peer Jurors will be appointed by the City of Ottawa Peer Jury Coordinators. These jurors are selected through an application and screening process. Jurors will be recruited from local Middle and High Schools. After being selected as a juror, training and orientation will be provided before assuming their duties. After a suitable period, a former offender who has successfully completed a sentence may be invited to participate as a juror. Such individuals make a great asset to the Peer Jury process.
Will any of my child's friends be on their Peer Jury?
A list of offenders is given to perspective jurors and they disqualify themselves from any case in which they personally know the offender and feel they cannot help come to an objective sentence.
What kinds of sentences are imposed?
The sentence usually involves a certain number of community service hours at an agency assigned by the Youth Service Bureau or by the Peer Jury Coordinators. Sentences may also be projects related to the offenses, letters of apologies to victims, and monetary restitution for actual damages.
What is the attitude toward the offender?
All offenders appearing before the Peer Jury are treated with dignity and respect. Demeaning attitudes and comments will not be tolerated. The objective of the program is to develop a sense of accountability and responsibility by the offender.
Who outside the police department and Peer Jury know that my child is serving a sentence?
No one, except for the supervisor of the community service agency, who has a direct relationship with the sentence. Offenders are identified only as "volunteer workers". The Peer Jury records and proceedings are kept confidential. A suspected violation of the confidentiality results in the dismissal from the program of the violator. No list of offenders appearing before the Peer Jury is published, and the press is not allowed to report on individual cases.
How long will the Peer Jury hearing take?
It will vary based on the number of cased scheduled on the hearing date. The latest any hearing should last is 10:00 P.M. This is not any different from the amount of time that could be spent in criminal or juvenile court.
For additional information on the City of Ottawa Peer Jury Program, contact Peer Jury Coordinators Sgt. Robert Anderson or Cpl. Louis Riva at (815)433-2131.
