When you call 911, who answers the phone? How do they decide who to send to the scene, and how fast will they get there? We bring you a 2-part special—The Race to An Emergency, produced by KALW radio in San Francisco. We follow the path of a 911 call, and along the way, encounter decades of mistrust that fuel a lack of confidence in the system. Special thanks to KALW Radio.

Featuring:

Lesley Phillips, Sharena Thomas, Peoples Community Medics co-founders; Nikki Anjenique; Sharena Thomas daughter; Rick Rocha, California Highway Patrol dispatcher; Olivia Moy, Wolleen Jones, Oakland police Department dispatchers; Terry Woodard, Oakland Fire Department Communications dispatcher; Jason Murphy, Paramedics Plus dispatcher; Tracy Chin, Rob Thrower, Oakland Fire Fighters; Brian Murphy, Oakland Police Officer; Regina Harris Gilliard, Johnna Watson Oakland Police Department spokespeople; Benjamin Bowser, Cal State East Bay Sociology Professor.

For More Information:

KALW Radio’s The Race to an Emergency”

Peoples Community Medics

Oakland Police Department

Paramedics Plus

Alameda County Public Health Department.

Articles/Blogs/Videos/Audio:

Racial Disparities in Arrests Contributing to Education Crisis for Oakland Students of Color

Report: Oakland police needs to prioritize service calls

Oakland can learn from top 911 addresses

The post Making Contact – The Race to an Emergency (Part 1) appeared first on KPFA.