911 operator suspected of hanging up on non-English callers

On one particular call given to the media, a woman dialed 911 to tell them a young boy approached her at a store and told her he was lost.

A 911 operator in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is under investigation after repeatedly hanging up on callers who did not speak English, Fox Boston reports.

“I don’t speak Spanish”. “No. Just English”, the dispatcher says before hanging up.

“No, just English,” the operator responds.

Police Chief James Fitzpatrick says dispatchers are supposed to get a translator on the line if they’re having difficulty understanding a caller.

The man never called back.

Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera added that it’s actually a requirement for a translator to be on hand at all times.

City officials told the Globe the operator has been placed on administrative leave with pay, due to a recent incident.

The police chief said the 911 dispatcher should have followed protocol by requesting an interpreter.

“Don’t hesitate to call the Lawrence Police Department regardless of language barrier,” Fitzpatrick said. “We will get to the bottom of whatever the issue is.” Resident Elizabeth Rivera asked, “How are you going to get the help that you need if they don’t have anyone that speak Spanish?”

A routine monthly audit by Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera found at least two instances in which the same operator grows frustrated, telling callers she doesn’t speak Spanish, even though the mayor said there is always someone there who can help translate.

‘The people that work there for the most part do a good job.’.