Proposition M: Call for Help : The 911 system in Los Angeles is in dire need of a major upgrade

The city of Los Angeles has outgrown its 911 emergency communications system, which today stands in urgent need of modernization. Last year the emergency dispatch center, used to summon police, fire and paramedic help, handled 5.3 million calls. But overload prevented more than 1 million calls from getting through. In an emergency, a 1-in-6 chance that a caller won’t be able to connect is dangerously unacceptable.

Proposition M on the Nov. 3 ballot is a revenue bond measure to upgrade citizens’ emergency, police and fire communications systems. The aim would be to provide adequate and reliable radio and telephone communications in the event of natural disasters, civil disturbances, fires or personal health emergencies. The $235-million, 20-year bond issue would replace and expand the Police Department’s radio system, which includes 911 calls, build a new backup dispatch center, and increase the number of 911 operators, police dispatchers and police radio channels.

The bond issue would be paid for by a modest property tax increase. For a typical 1,500-square-foot house, the tax would average $12.75 a year. Smaller houses would be taxed less, larger houses, apartment buildings, commercial and industrial buildings would be taxed more.

Twice in recent elections tax-shy voters have rejected bond measures to modernize the emergency communications system. Yet here is some of the cheapest and most worthwhile insurance that property owners can buy. A reliable 911 system, with its promise of speeding responses to medical, police and fire emergencies, is of benefit to everyone. This public safety measure deserves the broadest support. We urge a “yes” vote on Proposition M.