When a caller dials 911 in Washington, DC, they are either met with a live person ready to take their call or a message in multiple languages advising them to stay on the line.

What happens if I call 911 and I'm not immediately connected with a live 911 call taker? The center's Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system helps with the dispatch of first responders. For police-related emergencies, the call-taker takes the information and forwards it via computer to police dispatchers, also within the call center. Calls that require a fire or emergency medical response are immediately transferred to dispatchers within the call center. A 911 call is toll-free and is accessible through residential, wireless, and pay telephones throughout the District.Īll calls to 911 are answered by trained universal call-takers at the Office of Unified Communications. The 911 number should be used to request services from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS). Why is that?ĩ11 is the public's lifeline for police, fire, and medical services in the District of Columbia. Sometimes when I call 911 from Washington, DC, I get a neighboring jurisdiction.What happens if I call 911 and I'm not immediately connected with a live 911 call taker?.Information on this page answers the following questions:

Live 911 dispatch