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Emergency Communications
About Us
Our 911 center is a vital link for all Police, Fire and EMS responses in James City County. Over 100,000 calls for service are processed by our dispatchers each year.
Call 911 If...
All 911 calls involve emergencies needing immediate assistance, such as:
- A crime in progress or having just occurred
- Immediate medical emergencies
- Smoke or visible fire
- Any immediate threat to life or property
Call Our Non-Emergency Number If...
Calls which do not require immediate response or assistance, such as:
- Legal questions involving criminal matters
- Request other non-emergency services from police or fire
- Request assistance from animal control
If you are in doubt as to whether a situation is an emergency, call 911; an emergency communications officer will assist you in determining your need. If you accidentally dial 911, do not hang up. Stay on the phone and speak with the emergency communications officer. No matter how quickly you disconnect the call the 911 call will go to the center.
- Can I text 911?
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Yes, we currently have the capability to receive and send texts to 911. We always prefer to talk to you if it is safe to do so.
- Do I have to give my name when I call 911 and report a crime?
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No. It is our policy that callers are not required to give their name when calling 911. As a part of protocol, the Emergency Communications Officer will ask you for your name. However, if you do not wish to provide your name, please inform the Emergency Communications Officer.
- Are you able to see where I am from a cell phone call without me telling you?
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We cannot pinpoint an exact location from a cell phone call alone. We typically receive a tower location and can get an approximate location. However, to ensure units locate you in an emergency, always provide your location to the dispatcher.