Can I request an estimated time of arrival?

Calls for service are triaged by priority level. Since there are always calls coming in, we can’t accurately give ETA’s.

How are calls processed?

A call-taker will answer the incoming calls and input the information into our CAD (computer aided dispatch – we use Versaterm). Once they have the address and determine the type of call, they can enter the call to be dispatched to a responder.

The call-taker can continue adding additional information for the responders while they are en-route, without causing a delay in service.

The most important information you can give is the address of the occurrence. If you are unable to give an address, we have several ways to try and help pinpoint your location.

• Phase 2/GPS from your cell phone can get us close to your location
• GPS/Mapping from your vehicle
• Look around for street signs, business or landmarks.
• Rapid SOS
• What 3 Words
• If you are inside a building, look at the front for an address, find a piece of mail or advertisement.

How are 911 calls prioritized?

Life over property. All calls have a priority which is determined by the police department. The highest priority calls are dispatched first, and lower priority calls are handled afterwards.

Some of the calls will require Police, Fire and Medical to respond. They are determined by the type of call. If there is a public safety aspect such as someone with a weapon or threat of violence, police will secure the area before having fire and medical personnel come on scene. 

What happens if I accidentally dial 911?

STAY ON THE PHONE AND TELL THE CALL-TAKER IT WAS A MISTAKE.
The Call-Taker will ask you to verify your location, if there is an emergency, and your name.  

If you do hang up, they will call you back and ask if there is an emergency.  They will ask for your location to make sure it matches what their mapping is showing, your name and phone number. Calmly let them know if it was a mistake and answer questions they may have.

If an officer is dispatched, you can also let them know it was an accident.  

What do I do if I have cell phone issues with 911?

Even in major cities, and especially in the back country, there are “dead zones”, and your cell phone won’t work. Try moving locations to get cell service and call us back.

Disconnected cell phones can call 911. Please don’t let your kids play with your disconnected or current cell phones. Even if they are locked, it can call 911 by continuously pushing buttons. It takes a lot of time and resources to call back and determine if there is an emergency. It could mean life or death for someone having an actual emergency.