? Starting in February, Greenwich residents who dial 911 may reach civilian dispatchers instead of officers. The police department says having civilian dispatchers on staff will allow some officers to go back to patrolling the streets.

The police union does not agree with the change, saying the last time there were civilian dispatchers, there was high turnover. Other opponents worry about the level of training the employees will receive.

The Greenwich Police Department says many of the employees have prior experience as emergency dispatchers and officers.

The city plans to have an all-civilian emergency dispatch team in place by June, 2007. The workers will also answer fire calls.