From WSOCTV.com (1/24/11): Officials in Durham want North Carolina lawmakers to give police permission to alter 911 calls before they are released to the public.
The request came after the broadcast of a 911 call made a witness decide to stop talking with investigators. The witness’ voice was easily recognizable and the caller reported being threatened after it aired, Deputy Police Chief for Operations Steve Mihaich said.
Mihaich didn’t release other details about the call.
Recordings of 911 calls are public records, but the city wants to be able to only release transcripts of calls, digitally alter voices so they are not recognizable or allow reporters to listen to calls, but not be able to broadcast them. Durham is asking the state League of Municipalities and the state Association of County Commissioners to help them lobby to change the law.