The Communications Center
Regardless of the time of day or night, or whether it's a weekend or holiday, Azusa Police Department dispatchers are on duty and are ready for your call for help.
The Azusa Police Department Communications Center is comprised of 10 public safety dispatchers who are led by the Communications Center Supervisor. On average, the dispatchers handle 120 calls for service on a daily basis, with an average call load of 55,000 calls received annually.
The dispatchers work various shifts to ensure there is 24-hour coverage, 365 days a week. Dispatchers are required to attend a California POST Dispatch school in order to be hired, and frequent refresher training.
What Happens When You Dial 911
When you dial 911 in Azusa, it's the Azusa Police Department Communication's Center who receives the call. From there, the handling dispatcher will enter the appropriate information, and start getting help responding your way.
- It is very important to give the dispatcher your address first, especially when calling from a cell phone as they do not provide your location. If the dispatcher does not know where you are, getting the police to your location may be delayed.
- It is also important to try and remain calm, speak clearly, and answer the questions that the dispatcher is asking you. Most times while the dispatcher is questioning you, the officers are already being sent to your location, but we still need to get as much information as we can from you.
If the call involves a fire or medical emergency, the dispatcher will transfer the call to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
When To Call 911
- You witness or are the victim of a crime
- You or someone else is in danger
- You see smoke or a fire
- You witness or are involved in an accident
- Someone needs medical attention
- Whenever you need the immediate dispatch of police, fire or medical service
When You Call 911, You've Got A lot Of People Working For You
It's not just who you hear on the other end of the phone or who you see driving the police car who cares about you in an emergency. Here's an example of a medical call and who's involved:
1 - The Azusa PD 911 Telephone operator - Takes your call
1 - The Azusa PD 911 Radio operator - Dispatches the police unit to your location
1 - The police officer assigned to the call
1 - The fire department telephone operator - Takes the call on behalf of the fire department
1 - The fire department radio operator - Dispatches the fire department paramedics
1 - The ambulance dispatcher - Dispatches the ambulance
6 - Firefighters / paramedics
2 - Ambulance EMTs
2 - A Nurse and doctor at the hospital communicating with the paramedics at the scene
That's 16 people involved with your call working hard for you. So please, call 911 only when you have a legitimate emergency. Do not call 911 for directions, movie times, or to complain about your fast food order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to popular questions below. If you don't see your question, ask it in our forum.
What Is The Non-Emergency Phone Number
Please call (626) 812-3200 for non-emergency questions. In fact, program it into your cellular telephone's memory so you can get in touch with us quickly.
If I Call 911 From A Cellular Phone, Will I Get Azusa PD?
In most cases, you will. However, if your cell phone's signal reaches a tower outside of our city, you may be connected with the California Highway Patrol. Just explain to the dispatcher you are in Azusa, and they will transfer you to the Azusa Police Department.
Will You Know My Location If I Call From A Cellular Phone?
Sort of....
If you do not provide us with an address or landmark, we will only know that you are calling from within 100' of a cell tower, whose address will appear on our screens.
What Happens If I Accidentally Dial 911?
Please stay on the line! The dispatcher’s just need to make sure it was an accidental dial and that you do not need help. They will need to verify your name and address. If you do not stay on the line the dispatchers will need to attempt to call you back and if they still cannot reach you they will need to send the officers out to check your welfare. Accidental calls, especially from cell phone "pocket dials," tie up the dispatchers and 911 lines, adding to the burden of real emergency calls they receive. Do not allow children to play with your old phones (as they can still dial 911) and make sure you take preventative measures to make sure 911 cannot be accidentally dialled from your pocket or purse.
