9-1-1 Dispatch Center

The West University Place Dispatch Center provides 24-hour emergency services to the residents of West University Place.  Dispatchers are trained to handle numerous emergency and non-emergency calls that come into the dispatch center every day.  While monitoring numerous computer screens, and answering incoming phone calls, they’re also transmitting information to first responders over the radio and coordinating with multiple agencies when needed.  The West U dispatch center process approximately 19,500 calls per year.

  1. When to Call 9-1-1

Life or death situation and in-progress crimes against property, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Life threating situations
  • Fires
  • Motor vehicle accidents that cause injuries requiring medical attention
  • Hazardous chemical spills
  • Smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm or other alarms sounding
  • Smoke in building
  • If you see someone hurting someone else
  • To get help for someone who is hurt
  • If you see someone taking something that belongs to someone else or breaking into a home or business
  1. When not to call 9-1-1
  1. What If i call 9-1-1 in error?
  1. Why does THE dispatch operator need me to stay on the line after i called for help?
  1. What information does the dispatcher need to send help? 
  1. IF i call 9-1-1, what will dispatch ask me? 
  1. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions? 
  1. Why do 9-1-1 Dispatchers ask so many questions on a medical call? 
  1. IF i call to report a fire, what should i tell dispatch?


IF YOU CAN'T DECIDE IF YOUR CALL IS AN EMERGECY, CONSIDER IT TO BE AN EMERGENCY AND DIAL 9-1-1