What Portland Is Doing To Cut 911 Wait Times episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 24, 2025 · 26 MIN

What Portland Is Doing To Cut 911 Wait Times

from City Cast Portland · host City Cast

For many years, Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications, or BOEC, has struggled for years with long hold times, made worse by post-pandemic burnout and staffing shortages. At one point our county’s 911 hold times averaged four times longer than the national standard. But they're trying to turn things around. Today we're talking to the Director of BOEC Bob Cozzie about how things are going today and what his department is doing to improve 911 wait times. Join City Cast Portland at the 503 Day Block Party, Saturday, May 3, at downtown Portland's Ankeny Alley!! Details and RSVP here. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST PaintCare Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

For many years, Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications, or BOEC, has struggled for years with long hold times, made worse by post-pandemic burnout and staffing shortages. At one point our county’s 911 hold times averaged four times longer than the national standard. But they're trying to turn things around. Today we're talking to the Director of BOEC Bob Cozzie about how things are going today and what his department is doing to improve 911 wait times. Join City Cast Portland at the 503 Day Block Party, Saturday, May 3, at downtown Portland's Ankeny Alley!! Details and RSVP here. Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.  Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at [email protected], or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448. Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST PaintCare Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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What Portland Is Doing To Cut 911 Wait Times

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How long is this episode of City Cast Portland?

This episode is 26 minutes long.

When was this City Cast Portland episode published?

This episode was published on April 24, 2025.

What is this episode about?

For many years, Portland's Bureau of Emergency Communications, or BOEC, has struggled for years with long hold times, made worse by post-pandemic burnout and staffing shortages. At one point our county’s 911 hold times averaged four times longer...

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