9-1-1 What to Expect

The purpose of 911 is to provide the public with a local access point to request immediate assistance from police, fire and rescue personnel for any in-progress situation that could potentially result in danger to someone’s life and/or property.

You will be asked a series of questions based on the type of incident you are reporting.  Telecommunicators are trained to follow department policy and procedure and ask various questions to obtain the best information possible, for the safety of both the public and the response personnel.  Cooperation from callers is a vital part of establishing effective public safety communication. Stay calm, listen to the questions the dispatcher asks you, and answer all of the questions.  Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.

The most important information to provide the 911 telecommunicator is your location and a phone number you can be reached at in case the call is disconnected.  You will then be able to provide more information when prompted, “Tell me exactly what happened”.

The following questions may be asked:

What?

• What kind of emergency are you experiencing?  What is on fire?  What was taken?

Who?

• Who is involved? Who needs an ambulance?  Any suspect information is pertinent if it is related to an alleged crime.  Sex, race, age, hair color, eye color, glasses, facial hair, complexion, scars marks or tattoos, clothing description, and direction of travel.

 When?

• Is this happening right now?  If it is not happening now, the priority may be lowered.

Weapons?

• Are there any known weapons involved in the incident?  Do the people involved in the incident have any weapons available to them?

Call if you can; Text if you can’t!

Important Information about Text-to-911:

• Location of the emergency is the most vital information when placing a Text-to-911
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions
• Don’t text and drive
• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-911
• Photos and videos cannot be sent via Text-to-911
• 911 cannot be a recipient of group text messages
• Don’t abuse 911– Text-to-911 is only for emergencies
• Text-to-911 is not available everywhere in the U.S.
• If you attempt to send a Text-to-911 and the service is not available, you will receive an auto-reply message advising the service is not available and to make a voice call

For further information, please contact CCCDA’s Administrative Office at 269-781-0911