Dispatcher’s cool head during frantic robbery led to quick arrest

Published 12:04 am Saturday, March 17, 2018

LAPLACE — St. John Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Kristin Dunn needs to stay cool under pressure.

The 911 dispatcher is the bridge between frantic 911 callers and patrol deputies responding to all manner of emergency.

Dunn’s work during a February robbery of a convenience store in Reserve earned her special recognition, as she was celebrated at Thursday’s St. John Business Association meeting as the officer of the month.

According to Sheriff Mike Tregre, Dunn remained calm and immediately took charge of the robbery response, asking critical questions of the caller. In about three minutes, Dunn was able to get valuable information from the complainant, including a detailed suspect description and the direction in which the suspect fled on a bike.

Police said deputies apprehended the suspect within five minutes of receiving the 911 call.