The Cleveland 911 operator who fielded Amanda Berry’s call for help after she escaped from the city’s “House of Horrors” in May has been formally reprimanded for not staying on the line with her until police arrived.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports dispatcher Jack Purdy -- a four-year veteran -- pleaded “no contest” to that charge, as well as allegations he could have been more compassionate and empathetic on the call.
"While the call-taker complied with policies and procedures which enabled a very fast response by police, we have noted some concerns which will be the focus of our review, including the call-taker's failure to remain on the line with Ms. Berry until police arrived on the scene," Safety Director Martin Flask reportedly said in May.
"Please be assured that this matter will be investigated, and if necessary, appropriate corrective action taken."
Following his plea, Purdy was found guilty of the charge, resulting in the placement of a written letter of reprimand in his file for three years, according to the Plain Dealer.
Berry, along with two other women – Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight -- were forcibly held for 10 years or more in Ariel Castro’s home, until Berry escaped and phoned 911. Castro, sentenced to life-plus-1,000 years in prison in August, was found dead in his cell last week from an apparent suicide.
Click for the story from the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
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