To Protect And Serve, But Not To Empower
Me: “This is [Police Department]. What is your emergency?”
Caller: “My power’s out.”
Me: “Do you believe someone is outside, and they cut your power?”
Caller: “No, the whole power is out in the area.”
Me: “Okay. Then you need to call the electric company.”
Caller: “But they aren’t open this late.”
Me: “There should be twenty-four hour number for the electric company to call in case of an emergency, ma’am.”
Caller: “I don’t know what it is. Why can’t you help me?”
Me: “Because this isn’t a police issue.”
Caller: “But all the power is out. My food will go bad! This is ridiculous!”
Me: “It’s still not a police issue.”
Caller: “What’s the number for the electric company, then?”
Me: “I’m afraid I don’t know.”
Caller: “You’re no help!” *click*
(The police have their own twenty-four hour number to call the electric company, but I wasn’t about to give it out. Sadly, too many people believe calling police will actually get their power turned back on.)
Question of the Week
Have you ever served a bad customer who got what they deserved?
