Central dispatch outlines "no-preference" towing policy and training priorities

Director Kelly Flynn told the Eaton County Public Safety Committee on Oct. 2 that central dispatch is increasing training and will circulate an 11-page “no preference” towing policy and procedure next week for legal and committee review.

Flynn, identified in the meeting as director of county central dispatch, said dispatcher training resumed after summer and that staff completed required emergency medical dispatch recertifications and event support for several local parades. Flynn said the dispatch unit also participated in event communications planning to avoid interoperability issues during parades and other large gatherings.

On towing policy, Flynn said the proposed no-preference policy is intended to standardize how dispatch selects tow and wrecker services when a motorist does not request a specific company. The director said the policy is meant to be fair to all Eaton County-registered recovery companies and that it would not remove motorists’ right to choose a specific tow company at the scene. Flynn said the draft policy will be emailed to commissioners next week for review and that the matter will return to the agenda next month.

Flynn said the draft will include fee-consistency guidance for records requests and described operational rules that determine which recovery service is assigned to a call (for example, vehicle size or equipment needs for large trucks or semis).

Why it matters: dispatch sits between callers and responders; a written, legally reviewed policy can reduce disputes about tow assignments, inconsistent fees and perceived preferential treatment.

Flynn also noted the dispatch center’s involvement in Out-County mutual-aid discussions and that including 911/dispatch in chief-of-police meetings has improved coordination.

The committee did not take final action on the draft policy; Flynn said the policy will be refined with legal counsel and returned to the committee.