Torres heads 9-1-1 hearing

Assemblywoman Norma Torres on Thursday led the first in a series of select committee hearings to discuss approaches to improve 9-1-1 services now and in the future.

Torres, chairwoman of the Assembly Select Committee on 9-1-1 Service and a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, worked alongside Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, to create the select committee in order to improve 9-1-1 services amidst developing telecommunications technology and ongoing statewide staffing and budget issues.

According to the National Emergency Number Association, 9-1-1 calls should be answered within 10 seconds 90 percent of the time. In April, nine of California's large regional centers failed to meet the standard.

The first meeting included testimony from both dispatch services as well as telecommunication providers in order to inform the Legislature on the most pressing issues facing 9-1-1.

Torres is a Democrat who represents the 61st District, which includes Pomona, Chino, Montclair and Ontario.