Dakota 911 encourages the use of 9-1-1 for any situation which requires the response of police, fire or emergency medical personnel. This includes non-emergency situations such as reporting a crime, a traffic situation or suspicious activity. The Public Safety Telecommunicator will ask questions to help assure the proper level of response and assure that emergencies receive the highest priority. 9-1-1 should not be used for information-only purposes.
Examples of Proper 9-1-1 Usage:
- Reporting any situation that requires a police officer at the scene (e.g. assaults, traffic accident, burglary report, damage to property, parking complaint, other ordinance violations, etc.)
- Summoning an ambulance for medical assistance.
- Reporting fire, smoke or fire alarm.
- Reporting a crime in progress.
- Reporting suspicious or criminal activity. (shouts for help, glass breaking, vehicle or person that does not appear to belong in neighborhood).
Examples of Improper 9-1-1 Usage:
- Informational requests. (e.g. local event information, status of persons under arrest, impounded vehicle questions, ordinance or law questions).
Contact your Local Police Department or Sheriff’s Administrative Phone Line to:
- Ask for information regarding the status of a report or investigation.
- Ask for information regarding a city ordinance.
- Talk with a specific officer or employee of the department.
- Information regarding person under arrest.
- Inquire about impounded vehicles or animals.
- Request a copy of a police report.
Dakota 911 Phone Numbers:
- 9-1-1. Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Response.
- (651) 322-2323 or (952) 322-2323. 24 hour dispatch.
- (651) 322-1900. DCC administrative offices.
Things You May Not Know
1. Although you will always be asked to confirm the address of the emergency, when calling from a land-line phone, your address automatically populates into the 9-1-1 system. When calling from a cell phone, even from within a residence, we rely on you to provide either an address or location information including landmarks and other identifiers that may help responders locate the emergency.
2. Callers using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) should be prepared to describe their location when calling 911. If you use VoIP you should confirm your home address with your internet provider.
3. Whether calling 9-1-1 or the general dispatch number, your call is answered by the same experienced staff trained to triage incoming calls.
4. Dakota 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators are certified on Emergency Dispatch (EMD), which is a series of questions the Public Safety Telecommunicator asks callers to help them better assess medical emergencies and ensure appropriate response.
5. Dakota 911 is a 2-stage dispatch center. While one Public Safety Telecommunicator is talking with you on the phone, another Public Safety Telecommunicator is already sending help.
