As has been pointed out by a number of links posted on this story, Search & Rescue operations for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and Dementia are well studied and documented. Procedures exist. Rapid response is crucial to a successful outcome in these cases.
It is also clear by the outpouring of comments by those concerned, that their willingness to contribute positively to her safe recovery by joining in a search was evident.
Is our department disconnected from others? A simple google search will reveal many departments that successfully engage the assistance of the general public in cases such as these. I’m sure our top brass must attend seminars and advanced training on these types of cases? There are other degrees of public engagement between no involvement and a fully organized and managed one.
The more people who know about a ‘search in progress’, the more eyes & boots on the ground you will have. If the Police Chief is concerned about managing civilians in a search - fine - that can come later. But it shouldn’t mean we have to rely on only the available officers and the NFD - on and off duty - to be doing all the work.
This incident took place in the First Ward. Where was Councilman Charlie Duncan? Did the Police make him aware that one of his constituents with medical condition had gone missing? Did Councilman Duncan join in the search? Did he request other resources from the city? Did he call friends and neighbors in the area to aid the awareness?
A Police Chief promising an internal ‘review’ and a Mayor issuing meaningless marketing slogans won’t bring back Ms. Batts. A fruitful, working, co-operative relationship between an engaged citizenry and the Council and Public Servants can help avert a tragedy like this in the future.
My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Batts.
Posted byChris HeatonFebruary 17, 2012 07:32:16
But, Where are the Students?
The really difficult, barely discussed, and unsettled issue may be that
Newport's public safety enterprise does not see and may never want to see a "positive net worth" in using social media. Too many of the long time public safety employees may currently assess the liabilities of having a rapid, 2-way dialog (or even a 1-way broadcast) with the public as far outweighing the potential, hard to quantify benefits. (Even during the council's Jan 14, 2012 workshop on communications, there was barely a mention about actively listening to input from the public). Based on the near silence, opaque city comments, and lack of even a city crocodile tear in the Batts' death, I forecast that the detractors of a progressive city social media policy will include the mayor, police leadership, and city solicitor. I predict that their objections, out of public view, will likely prevail in the near term.
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Comments
Are We Sheep or Citizens?
Posted by Chris Heaton February 17, 2012 07:32:16
But, Where are the Students?
Posted by Mike Cullen @ KnowingNewport February 16, 2012 21:59:05