Playing the tape invades privacy

I had occasion to call 911 when I found my husband dead in my home. I was hysterical but could not control my emotions. Although it was not due to violence I would be humiliated to hear a broadcast of my cry for help with the operator broadcast over the air waves for the general public to hear.

In our greatest time of need we do not need to be worried that the general public will be privy to what we are saying. We as the general public have no need or right to know what is said to a 911 dispatcher or police or fire official.

A news outlet can easily give the essence of any story without violating a family's right to privacy.

I can't urge you enough to not provide verbatim tapes of 911 calls.

If there is a question about the effectiveness of a dispatcher the tape can be played for the supervisory staff of the appropriate agency.

Billie Tucker

Hoffman Estates