What can breaches of confidentiality lead to for the PSAP and the telecommunicator?

Breaches of confidentiality in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) can lead to both criminal and civil charges due to the seriousness of the information involved. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of telecommunication duties because telecommunicators handle sensitive and personal data related to emergency situations, individuals in distress, and ongoing investigations. When this data is improperly disclosed, it not only violates ethical guidelines but can also contravene legal statutes specifically designed to protect personal information.

Civil charges can arise from lawsuits initiated by individuals whose information was improperly disclosed, seeking damages for any harm caused. On the criminal side, laws governing the misuse of confidential information can lead to serious consequences, including fines or imprisonment for individuals found guilty of willful negligence or malicious intent. This dual layer of accountability emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality and the potential severe ramifications of failing to do so. Therefore, the option encompassing both civil and criminal charges accurately reflects the potential outcomes of confidentiality breaches in this context.