[donna]

I’ve thought for a long time that 911 calls should be heard by the public only if individuals go to the police station and listen in person.

That way the information is open to public scrutiny but the families can retain some privacy. The way we do it now is cruel.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I suppose there could be situations in which a journalistic purpose could be served by publicly airing a 911 tape: for example, if there is a legitimate reason to suspect that the person making the call was actually involved in the crime.

But certainly not here. It would be difficult to describe just how heart-rending the call was. And for what purpose?

[maryz]

I don't think there's any reason for 911 calls to be made public when it's a legitimate call handled appropriately. (I think there was a case in Boston a few years back of truly inept handling by the dispatcher, and it made the papers.)

In any case, the call isn't the news, and generally, they make lousy entertainment -- sound quality is usually so bad, the TV has to run subtitles. But they can do it, and it's been done -- talk about the herd of independent minds!