City of Taunton announces investigation into its 911 system
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Almost a month to the day after the deadly Taunton attacks, the city is announcing that they’re launching an independent investigation into the city’s emergency response protocol. The investigation is the result of looking back on the 911 tapes of that horrific night and it became obvious there was a lot of confusion when direction and guidance needed to be clear.
On the night of May 10th, Taunton’s dispatch center was overwhelmed with phone calls, first for what appeared to be a hit and run; but the real crime was a double stabbing inside a Myricks Street home.
Then, more calls started pouring in from the Silver City Galleria where 28-year-old Arthur DaRosa continued his spree of violence. He crashed another car into Macy’s, assaulted people inside the store, and then stabbed two more people inside Bertucci’s restaurant. The chaos caused confusion for dispatchers.
Now, Taunton Mayor Thomas Hoye along with the city’s fire and police chiefs have announced a formal investigation into the city’s emergency response protocol. That includes it’s 911 system, dispatch center, and emergency medical dispatch procedures.
In a statement, Mayor Hoye said in part, "An independent review of our policies and procedures can help us identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement."
Residents on Myricks Street have mixed feelings about the investigation. Some say they’re happy it’s going on while others say there’s nothing first responders could have done differently."
"I’m happy that it’s happening. You know this is a pretty tight neighborhood and what happened was unfortunate so I’m glad that something is happening about it,” said Monique Silva.
"The 911 system works fine. The problem was that everyone thought it was just a hit and run accident,” said another Myricks Street resident who didn’t want her name to be released.
A consulting firm lead by Arlington’s police chief will be conducting the investigation. They expect it to be finished in about a month.
