Metro Council asks mayor to investigate 911 dispatch center after workers allege retaliation

The Metropolitan Council voted to ask the mayor’s office to initiate an investigation into the operations, practices and leadership culture of the Davidson County Department of Emergency Communications after multiple council members and union representatives described allegations of retaliation and an unsafe workplace for 911 dispatchers.

Councilmember Ellis, who sponsored the resolution, told the committee the measure responds to reports from 911 workers and union leaders who say staff fear reprisal if they file complaints: "These are folks that we call, in life or or death situations, and we expect them to be operating at 99% efficiency. And we want to make sure that the environment that they're working in supports that." The council recommended approval with six votes in favor and four abstentions.

The request follows prior, limited reviews and internal work: council members referenced a report by the law firm Ogletree and Dinkins and…