Officials say HEC needs help to handle a major disaster

  

(6/06/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- Police union officials say immediate change at the Houston Emergency Center is necessary with hurricane season upon us.

Members met with city officials on Monday to discuss what they are calling a crisis at the center that handles all 911 emergency calls. Union representatives say the center is understaffed and has poor working conditions.

"I've been receiving complaints from all different agencies, from citizens about the delays in response," said Johnnie McFarland with the Houston Police Patrolmen's Union.

Union officials say calls have increased 18 percent since Hurricane Katrina. They say the center is currently unprepared to handle a major disaster in Houston. Union officials plan to address the city council about these very issues. In the meantime, HEC officials will be asking for an additional $500,000 to pay for the hiring of more personnel.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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