Police Chief: Please phone dispatch

Published 10:47 pm Thursday, May 27, 2010

Thorsby Police Chief Rodney Barnett is asking citizens to call 911 for emergencies and police communications for other calls, instead of City Hall.

Barnett said several people call City Hall asking for officers or assistance, which is actually slower than calling communications.

“My officer would actually get the call much quicker if they called dispatch,” Barnett said.

He said there’s also added security in a dispatcher knowing where the officer is at all times instead of risking times when “nobody knows where they are, and it turns ugly.”

Police communications can be reached at 755-2511. Again for emergencies, always call 911.

The police chief also wants to remind parents about leaving children unattended at Movies in the Park, which starts tonight, Friday, May 28. He said the program is wonderful and good for Thorsby, but that parents should not drop their children off without adult supervision.

He said last year kids crossed over train tracks and U.S. 31, going to convenience stores.

“I’m worried about someone getting hit by a car,” Barnett said. “Go, have a great time. (But) a responsible adults needs to stay with them.”