Emergency Communications Response Center

Call 9-1-1 when a response from law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical services is needed anywhere in Washington County.

When calling outside of Washington County dial 651-439-9381.

9-1-1 Communications Center

The Washington County 9-1-1 Communications Center is a consolidated 9-1-1 public service answering point (PSAP) that is operated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The role of the 9-1-1 Communications Center is to provide the public with competent, timely and effective emergency and non-emergency public safety communication services. Over 200,000 phone call requests for service are answered annually. These requests initiate the coordinated response by law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to all Washington County residents. The communications center also functions as the central point of coordination for all county emergency warning services.

The communications center has an authorized staffing level that includes the Communications Center Division Manager, 6 PSAP Coordinators, and 27  Public Safety Dispatchers.

Call 9-1-1 :

• When there is an emergency, and you need an immediate response from police, fire, emergency medical responders. 
• To report a serious illness, injury or accident.
• To report a crime.
• When there is a fire.
• For less threatening situation which requires a non-immediate response from police, fire and ambulance such as noise, parking or traffic complaints. 

Alternate non-emergency number: 651-439-9381

The non-emergency line is answered by the 9-1-1 Communications Center staff. You may be put on hold if other emergencies are occurring.

Useful tips to get help from 9-1-1 dispatchers

Remember to speak slowly, clearly and try your best to stay calm. Dispatchers may ask for the following information when you call.

• Your name.
• Describe the  problem or emergency.
• Telephone number to call you.
• Address of where help is needed. If you don’t know, be prepared to provide:
  • The city you are in.
  • The name of the road you are on.
  • Cross streets.
  • Major buildings or landmarks you see.
  • Mile marker signs.
  • Exit ramp numbers

Remember call 9-1-1 first in all emergencies

• Do not call family members or friends.
• Do not attempt to transport a seriously ill or injured person on your own.
• Stay on the phone and answer questions, help is often being started as the dispatcher is speaking to you. Answering their questions helps the emergency responders help you.

How to text 9-1-1

• Enter 911 into the "to" field.
• Text your exact location and type of emergency.
• Send the message.
• Promptly answer questions and follow instructions.
• Use simple words.
• Do not use abbreviations, emojis, pictures or slang (IDK, thnx, 2day, btw).
• Do not text and drive.

Texting 9-1-1 may be the best contact for

• Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or those with speech impediments.
• Someone under pressure and in situations when someone must remain quiet to remain safe.
• A discreet way to report domestic violence, home invasions, human trafficking, and suicidal.
• Anyone who cannot safely make a voice call.

If you accidentally call 9-1-1

• Don’t hang up-please stay on the line an answer the dispatchers questions.
• Dispatchers are required to call back all numbers that call 911 and hang up. You will save 911 dispatchers valuable minutes by explaining that you accidentally dialed the wrong number. 

How to avoid accidentally calling 9-1-1

• Lock your keypad.
• Disable emergency buttons. (Check your phone’s user manual or contact your service provider to find out if your wireless phone has a pre-programmed emergency 911 button. You may be able to disable it or lock it. )

The 9-1-1 Communication Center staff serving you are:

• Division Commander Andrew Ellickson
• Communication Center Manager Darlene Pankonie
• Public Safety Systems Manager 
• Radio Communications Systems Manager
• 27 Public Safety Dispatchers
• 6 Public Safety Answering Point Coordinators