Running low or completely out of police officers is not only bad for citizens who need help. It’s dangerous for the cops. The following transpired over the course of four minutes, beginning at 11:54 this morning:
UNIT 1996: 3720 Lincoln. Get me a [back-up] car.
DISPATCHER: All right. we’ll get you a car. 3720 N Lincoln. [Unit] 1996 is looking for a back up there. Any tact units around? 3720 north on Lincoln?
[Silence]
DISPATCHER: Who can take a ride? […} 1961 Adam? 1961 Boy? 1904 Charlie? 1906 Adam?
UNIT 1906: We’ll go. We’re not close, though.
[..] [Silence]
DISPATCHER: Anyone near? Let me know.
[Silence]
1996: He’s now in custody.
UNKNOWN SUPERVISOR: Is every car on assignment or something? What’s going on?
DISPATCHER: Traffic stop, sir. Traffic stop. He has him in custody now. He asked for a back up.
UNKNOWN SUPERVISOR: No cars available to back him up? I’m just curious.
DISPATCHER: There isn’t. I’m sorry. There are no cars. 10 sector’s down. 20 sector’s down. 30 sector’s down.
[…]
DISPATCHER: 1996. Are you all right, sir?
UNIT 1996: I’m fine now. Good thing I didn’t need…an assist. I’d be dead by now.
RELATED LINKS
- DEPLETED: Times Our District Ran Out of Cops