"We're not surprised to see those challenges put forth in a report," O'Leary said. Knowing they needed to address the ongoing issues within the department, Jamie O'Leary, director of public safety communications, and City Manager Michael Ortega requested the report over the summer. Specifically, employees who were interviewed for the assessment reported a culture of "extreme fear." The report said there were instances of alleged bias and marginalization against the LGBTQ community, inconsistent discipline and extreme attrition rates. According to the report, employees reported having two very distinct cultures under one roof and "an inherent rivalry between those serving the Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Fire Department." In 2017, the city made the decision to consolidate police and fire dispatchers, a transition that has proven difficult and may be the cause of much of the department's dysfunction. That is why I was so concerned when I read this report." Their role is absolutely pivotal in the emergency response services that we provide our residents. How these calls are handled can be the difference between life and death. "They are the unsung heroes who provide the support that our police officers, firefighters and paramedics need to be successful. "First, and most importantly, our 911 call takers and dispatchers are the first line of emergency response for our community," Romero said. "The contents and allegations contained within this report, if true, are simply not acceptable," Mayor Regina Romero said. There are currently 165 budgeted positioned within the department, but not all of them are filled, according to the city manager. The third-party review by Traaen & Associates LLC includes interviews with 108 employees and outlines a variety of workplace issues, including staffing levels, recruitment, training, employee morale, instances of harassment and lack of accountability. The City of Tuscon has formed a task force to address workplace issues at the Tuscon Public Safety Communications Department after a third-party review found multiple problems with staffing, training and morale.