KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas Citians are still calling about potholes and missed trash, but the call volume to 3-1-1 has increased by the thousands, mainly due to COVID 19.
Call Center Manager Eric Goodman says his staff of 17 dispatchers are especially busy, given the slow re-opening of Kansas City. It’s caused of bit of confusion. “People are questioning if they have to leave their information, if they’re going to go to church and things like that. With the 10-10-10 rule, you don’t have to. It’s voluntary, but just know the business does not have to let you in.”
If you feel someone is compromising your safety or not adhering to social distancing guidelines, Goodman says you should dial 3-1-1. Once you do, here’s how it works:
The dispatcher listens to your concern, anything from a large house party to your employer asking you to head back to work *before* a stay at home ordinance is lifted. The 3-1-1 rep then notifies the proper channel. It could be the health department, someone from parks and recreation, or a police officer to investigate. “Anticipating a lot of calls about people doing social distancing, or not doing it,” Goodman explains. “That’s what we get a lot of now. People not doing social distancing, so probably more that than anything.”
As Kansas City begins its integration process, so are 311 dispatchers. Goodman says that could create additional delays. Right now the average wait time is anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes. You can also report a concern to311 online as well.
