Episode 30: How to Call 911 with Guest Jeryl Anderson

Episode 30: How to Call 911 with Guest Jeryl Anderson

We are honored to be joined by Telecommunicator Jeryl Anderson this week to talk about 911 calls, especially as they relate to Black and marginalized communities. She tells us about her experience as a telecommunicator, explaining how they are the true first responders - they are #3 on the list of most stressful jobs. She touches on how to handle the stress of the job, especially with no closure after each call, and the coping mechanisms she utilizes. She discusses the advancements in technology we’ll be seeing for 911 calls - right now you can text 911, soon you’ll be able to send photos and videos - and how to train telecommunicators psychologically to handle that. Jeryl gives a detailed explanation of how to effectively use the 911 system to get help in an emergency - what happens when you call 911 and how to answer their questions to get the best response. She places an emphasis on using non-emergency numbers for things that aren’t “true” emergencies so you don't clog up the lines. Our hosts join in to discuss the situation of a recent 911 Call in Windsor, VA and the adjustments made by the telecommunicator once they heard the word “gun.” Jeryl finishes up by leaving us with an important bit of information: Stay on the line if you don’t mean to call 911 or decide you don’t need it so you can tell them they don’t need to send a police officer. Otherwise, they’ll send one automatically.

 

911 Call in Windsor, VA

Article: Va. Officer Charged in Shooting After Allegedly Mistaking Man's Phone For Gun

Video: Sheriff Roger Harris statement on Officer Involved Shooting

 

More about Jeryl Anderson:
Jeryl Anderson has been a Telecommunicator for over thirty years. She is currently employed at Orange County Emergency Services, as the Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator. Jeryl has been a certified instructor since the 1990’s and has vast experience in class room presentation to include, but not limited to, curriculum and testing development and on-line course development and implementation. Jeryl is proud to have been at the beginning of the Telecommunicator Certification Course for North Carolina Telecommunicators, during her time as a Criminal Justice Instructor Coordinator with the NC Justice Academy, where for eleven years, she taught, edited, and implemented the curriculum across the state of North Carolina.

Jeryl is an experienced online instructor, conference speaker and event coordinator. Jeryl is an RPL (Registered Professional Leader) and CPE (Certified Public Safety Executive) through National APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Official’s) and an ENP (Emergency Number Professional) through National NENA (National Emergency Number Association). Jeryl serves the APCO Institute by being one of their Adjunct Instructors. She is currently serving on the NC Chapter of APCO’s Board as their Educational Advisory Member.

On a personal note, Jeryl enjoys spending time with her spouse, Kevin Anderson. She is an active member of the Durham Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jeryl is also a dedicated Girl Scout volunteer and serves as a Troop leader and as the Durham Central Service Unit 215, Area 11 Manager for NC Coastal Pines Girl Scout Council.