Response Time
Definition
The time between when a 911 call is placed and when police/fire/EMS arrive on scene. Measured separately for Priority 1 (life-threatening emergencies), Priority 2 (serious but not life-threatening), and Priority 3 (non-emergency) calls.
Louisville Context
Current Louisville Metro response times average 12-15 minutes for Priority 1 calls in high-crime areas, with some neighborhoods waiting 20-30 minutes. In Chicago neighborhoods with mini substations, response times dropped to an average of 2-3 minutes. Fast response times are critical for violent crimes, medical emergencies, and hot pursuit situations.
Why It Matters
Every minute matters in emergencies. The difference between a 2-minute and 20-minute response can be life or death in a shooting, heart attack, or home invasion. Slow response times also signal to criminals that they have time to escape, increasing crime rates.
Dave’s Proposal
Mini substations will reduce average response times from 12-15 minutes to 2-3 minutes in served neighborhoods. Officers will already be in the community, not driving from distant precincts.