VALLEJO, Calif. — Though in the basement of the police department, the Vallejo Police Department's communication center's dispatch staff is not immune to criticism.
"If people have a complaint, I have no problem with speaking to them. We listen to all the complaints that we get," VPD communications manager Elisia Thomas said.
One who complained was Gary Gossell.
Gossell, who lives on Legend Circle, had his truck vandalized in his driveway in November. He believes those responsible were middle-school children. Gossell called 911 and was informed that the police department would not send out an officer to take a report and that he should file a police report online.
"I was pretty upset. We don't send officers out to take reports? That really peeved me," Gossell recalled.
Gossell then called 911 several more times, after which the dispatcher allegedly informed him that if he did not stop calling 911, she would send out an officer to arrest him.
According to California Penal Code, a person annoying or harassing dispatchers or otherwise misusing the 911 system can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to six months.
The penal code clarifies an emergency as "any condition in which emergency services will result in the saving of a life, a reduction in the destruction of property, quicker apprehension of criminals, or assistance with potentially life-threatening medical problems, a fire, a need for rescue, an imminent potential crime, or a similar situation."
"I really don't get it. (The dispatcher) can send a cop for me, and cannot send a cop for what my problem is, because I became a problem to her?" said Gossell's wife Rogie.
Gary Gossell said he called Thomas to complain, but found her rude and unwilling to listen.
Thomas said she did listen to him and tried to explain the penal code, but found that he was unwilling to listen to her.
Rogie Gossell said she strongly disagrees with the penal code.
"There is a reason we're calling them, otherwise we wouldn't bother them," she said.
The Gossells filed a police report online and were contacted by a volunteer, Rogie Gossell said.
The damage to their truck, which has since been repaired, is about $4,000. The Gossells have circulated fliers and are asking the public to contact them at [email protected] if they have any information about the vandalism.
The Gossells are still angry and believe the police are using the system to their advantage.
"I am a citizen that needs help. They need to define that penal code again," Rogie Gossell said.