Police Communications
The Communications Division is the primary answering point for all emergency and non-emergency requests for police, fire and emergency medical assistance in Clovis. 911 calls in Clovis are received by a dispatcher who asks the questions necessary to determine the nature of the event. Personnel and equipment are assigned based on this dispatcher's assessment. The dispatcher may continue talking to the caller while the emergency units are assigned to the event by another dispatcher.
Activity in the Clovis Communications Center can vary widely. At times the Center is quiet with an almost eerie silence. However, more often than not, the Center is busy with phones ringing, printers printing, dispatchers and call takers talking and Emergency personnel being dispatched to calls. Public Safety Dispatchers and Public Service Officers process a steady stream of calls and requests for police and fire services.
Public Education and Tours
Public Safety Communications personnel are available to speak to community groups of any size. Some topics for presentation include: "What Happens when I Call 9-1-1". This presentation can be presented to any age level. At least 2 week's notice is appreciated prior to the date of any presentation. If you have any questions or would like more information on any of our educational programs, please contact the Dispatch Supervisor at (559) 324-2800
Do you belong to a group that would like to visit the 9-1-1 center? The Clovis Police Communications Center regularly schedules tours for groups who would like to see their Communications center in action. Youth organizations, church groups, and schools have scheduled tours of Clovis Police Communication Center. These guided tours will give insight into the operations and importance of the Public Safety Communications Department. While we can schedule groups of any size, we prefer to break them into groups of no more than 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call 9-1-1?
- Call 9-1-1 in the event of a Police, Fire or Medical Emergency.
What is Enhanced 9-1-1?
- It is a computerized system that displays the phone number and location of 9-1-1 callers. This system allows communications personnel to know where a call originates from, even if the caller cannot speak. Even if the number you are calling from is unlisted or unpublished, the information will still be displayed. Enhanced 9-1-1 is not yet available for cellular 9-1-1 calls.
How much does it cost to call 9-1-1?
- Calling 9-1-1 is free. Calls made from your home, businesses, cellular phones and from pay phones are free when you dial 9-1-1.
What should I say when I call 9-1-1?
- Immediately state the nature of your emergency. Say you are reporting a fire, an accident, a burglary or whatever the case may be. From there, let the Public Safety Dispatcher ask the questions. They will want to verify your location, phone number and name. They will also ask questions regarding your situation, such as the name and description of any other person(s) involved and other pertinent information. Please be patient. Help is on the way, even while you are talking with the person taking your call.
What should I do if my child or I dial 9-1-1 by mistake?
- Don't hang up. Stay on the line! Everyone makes mistakes and there is no penalty for accidentally dialing 9-1-1. The dispatcher who answers your call will want to verify your name, address and phone number; and make sure there really is no emergency. If you do hang up, you can be sure a dispatcher will call you right back to confirm that you are safe. If no response is received on the attempt to call you back, the police will be dispatched.
Who answers my 9-1-1 calls?
- Your call is routed by the phone company to Clovis Police Department Communications Center on the second floor of the police department where it is answered by a Public Service Officer.
Are the Dispatchers trained to help me?
- Yes! Before being assigned to take 9-1-1 calls, or any non-emergency calls, each dispatcher undergoes 16 weeks of hands-on training, under the supervision of a trainer.
What is the function of the Public Safety Communications Department?
- The department is the primary answering point for all emergency and non-emergency requests for police service. Other functions include operating and maintaining the city's radio communications system and providing public education about 9-1-1.