911 call log shows time lapse in sending police to Josh Powell home

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Josh Powell and children

(CBS/AP) TACOMA, Wash. - Emergency call logs show that nearly eight minutes passed between the time a social worker called 911 to report that Josh Powell's children were in danger and when deputies were dispatched.

It reportedly took another 14 minutes for an officer to arrive on the scene. According to the logs obtained by the Associated Press Wednesday, at one point during the call, the dispatcher tells the worker, "We have to respond to emergency life-threatening situations first."

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A short while later, the house burst into flames, Powell killing himself and his two young sons.

The Chicago Tribune reports authorities say the social worker's 911 call could have been handled better by the dispatcher.

The agency that runs the 911 center says it will review the matter and start a disciplinary investigation if necessary.

"At this point, we're doing a full investigation," said Tom Orr, director of the Law Enforcement Support Agency, which operates the 911 call center. "Seconds count in what we do. Lives depend on that. We get that, and we're all about trying to be the best at what we do."

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by DannaQuick February 11, 2012 12:25 PM EST: Thats true Jhihmoac BUT they should have sent help right away. I mean is common sense if a SOCIAL WORKER calls and gives the following hints "gasoline smell, kids inside, dad does not have custudy, he wont let me in" then OBVIOUSLY some one is in danger. Sadly now even if the 911 Dispatcher gets written off or gets fired thats not going to bring back the kids. The press should just let them rest in peace already, by covering the story all the way through is not going to bring them back either.; Reply to this comment


by Jhihmoac February 9, 2012 10:14 AM EST: C'mon...Stop already! No human response nor bravado can stop a madman with two five gallon containers of gasoline, cocked and loaded...; Reply to this comment