Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academy of Emergency Police and Fire Dispatch for demonstrating compliance to the highest level of standards as set forth in the Academy's Twenty Points of Accreditation.

• 911 Call Handling: Answering emergency calls and gathering essential information to dispatch police, fire, or medical services as needed.

• Dispatching Emergency Services: Quickly and accurately sending law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical teams to the scene of an incident, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD): Providing pre-arrival instructions, such as CPR or first aid, to callers until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive on the scene.
• Incident Coordination: Managing communication between officers, emergency responders, and other agencies, ensuring all teams are informed and can operate efficiently in the field.
• Real-Time Monitoring: tracking personnel and utilizing advanced systems to support ongoing operations and keep first responders safe.

What is your name, phone number, and current location?

What is happening?

When did this occur?

How many people are involved?

Can you provide a description of the suspect or victim?

Are there any weapons?

Are there unsecured pets?

Public safety dispatchers ask many questions to ensure they gather the most accurate and complete information. Their role is critical in coordinating an effective response to emergencies.

Although it might feel repetitive or excessive in a stressful moment, these questions are designed to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved.

Here's why the questioning is necessary:

Prioritizing Resources

Dispatchers need to determine the severity and urgency of the situation to allocate resources effectively. Questions help them understand if immediate intervention is needed. If immediate intervention is needed, resources are already being prepared to head your way.  Please continue answering questions.

Ensuring Safety

They aim to protect both responders and the public. For example, knowing whether there are weapons involved or if the scene is hazardous helps responders prepare and stay safe.

Getting Accurate Details

Miscommunication can lead to delays or errors in response. Dispatchers clarify details like the exact location, the nature of the incident, and the number of people involved to avoid misunderstandings.

Providing Pre-Arrival Instructions

Dispatchers often give critical instructions to callers (e.g., performing CPR, staying safe) before responders arrive. Their questions help tailor these instructions to the specific situation.

Multitasking and Coordination

While asking questions, dispatchers are simultaneously alerting responders, pulling up relevant information, and ensuring that the response is coordinated effectively. Questions help them manage all these tasks efficiently.

Procedural Requirements

Dispatchers follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure accountability and consistency in their actions. These protocols often require asking specific questions.