With 911 dispatch center delayed, St. Louis faces slow response times

With 911 dispatch center delayed, St. Louis faces slow response times

Author: St. Louis Public Radio September 16, 2026 Duration: 30:28
Although it was initially planned to open this year, a $45 million 911 dispatch center in St. Louis that will combine fire, police and EMS services will open after it finishes construction in “late fall” 2027. The announcement of the delay comes as the city’s 911 system is under scrutiny. We talk with Jia Lian Yang, communications and storytelling director at Forward Through Ferguson, who authored a recent report that analyzed 1.3 million 911 calls made in St. Louis. This region is far from the only one struggling to improve 911 response times: We also talk with journalist Byard Duncan, who obtained data from 911 systems from some 60 American cities, including St. Louis. He found that St. Louis answered just 78% of its 911 calls by the 15-second standard set by the National Emergency Number Association.

Tune in to St. Louis on the Air for the conversations that define our city and region. Produced by St. Louis Public Radio, this daily podcast goes beyond the headlines to foster a genuine dialogue, one where community voices are central. Each episode gathers a range of perspectives-from everyday residents to experts and creators-to thoughtfully examine the issues, challenges, and innovations shaping life here. You might find yourself immersed in a discussion about local history one day and a deep dive into a groundbreaking scientific discovery the next. The program consistently makes space for the artists, musicians, and authors who contribute to the cultural fabric of the area. What you’ll hear is a respectful and honest exchange of ideas, reflecting the complex character of St. Louis itself. It’s a direct line to the stories of the people who live, work, and create in this community. For anyone curious about the forces at play in the region or simply wanting to feel more connected, this podcast serves as an essential, engaging resource. The result is a comprehensive audio portrait of a city in motion, delivered with the depth and nuance you’d expect from public radio.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

St. Louis on the Air
Podcast Episodes
These new releases from St. Louis artists offer honesty and openness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:25
St. Louis musicians share the power of being open and honest in this month's new music roundup. Darian Wigfall — also known as DJ Whiz — joins producer Miya Norfleet and host Elaine Cha to discuss their favorite recently…
Their art is in a St. Louis gallery. The artists are in prison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
For the past 13 years, Charles Everett has kept a routine in his prison dorm. He sits at a table in the common room and draws — creating large illustrations full of bold lines, bright, bold colors and tiny details. As ti…