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911 Operators ask a predetermined set of questions in order to decipher the urgency of the situation and how best to serve you. When you contact a 911 Operator they first will ask you the address of your emergency, and secondly they will ask you the phone number that you are calling from. Additional questions will be asked pertinent to the emergency that you are reporting. Please remember that by asking questions the 911 Operator is trying to get as much information as they can to give you an optimal level of service.
The best way to report crime in your community is by contacting law enforcement. If the crime is in progress and there is an imminent threat to life or property dial 911. If you need to report a crime that is in the past tense or would like to inform the Sheriff's department of a crime that may take place dial (509)447-3151 ext. 0 and speak with a dispatcher whom will promptly take your information.
Cellular companies have done an outstanding job selling safety and emergency response if you purchase a cell phone. What they don't tell you is that dispatchers from 911 Centers around the country have a very difficult time trying to gather important information from cellular callers. There are still many issues surrounding cell phones like; area coverage for all cell companies and people calling from unknown locations and not able to tell a dispatcher where they are. The telephone companies are currently not able to identify the exact location of a cellular phone. In Pend Oreille County's 911 center, if you call on a cell phone, the dispatcher will usually be able to determine the nearest Cell Tower that is sending us your call. We do not receive your address, exactly where you are, or any other details about why you are calling. Dispatcher's will still need to ask numerous questions in order to get the correct police, fire or medical help you need as quickly as possible. Because of our geographical area, cell coverage in this area may or may not be effective. Many of our cell callers are frustrated by loss of service, spotty and intermittant coverage, and inability to reach the 911 Center for the jurisdiction they are calling from. Unfortunately, that leads to them being transferred.
So, what can you do to help yourself?? Always be aware of your location. Know what road your travelling on, know mile markers, know crossroads; be aware of landmarks or points of interest that you can refer to. Playing games with kids in the car, helps everyone be more aware of their surroundings, even when taking the kids to school every day. Practice at giving directions, remembering to use directional phrases such as North, South, East and Westbound. Remember to be patient and helpful. If dispatchers can't get the information they need to send help...Help won't find you.
Let's say you pull into your driveway, notice your garage door open and a suspicious vehicle in the driveway, you believe that you are being burglarized! First observe the scene, get to a safe place and call 911. When observing a situation like this; note everything you can about the people involved (suspects) their physical description; like height, weight, hair/eye color, skin color and clothing description. (Shoes can be important) If there is a vehicle, (what make, model, color, License plate, newer, older, and visible damage or unique markings.) Note what items you saw them take and be descriptive. If you see any weapons, advise the dispatcher right away. Most of all, whatever you observe, write it down as soon as possible. It could be hours before law enforcement has the opportunity to sit down with you for an interview.
Because of the potential for damage to vehicles the Sheriff's Department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or animal is locked inside the vehicle, the Sheriff's Department will send a patrol unit to remove the child or animal from the vehicle, possibly by breaking a window.
No, you may make a missing person report as soon as you realize someone is missing.
The Sheriff's Department will provide a civil standby by sending a deputy to assist you while you retrieve your personal belongings, which are limited to clothing and medication. Usually, they will assist for a 15 minute period. If other items such as furniture, household belongings or vehicles need to be retrieved, an order from the court will be required. Appointments may not be made. Civil standbys are handled as time permits.
The Sheriff's Department can only tow vehicles that have been abandoned on public property. We can take a report for a junk vehicle and complete the appropriate paperwork so that the property owner may request a private tow company respond to remove the vehicle. This is done at the property owners request and expense. The property owner can attempt to recover any costs incurred through civil court.
The Sheriff's Department can only deliver emergency, life or death messages.
You may contact (509)447-3151 ext. 2 and request a Security Patrol. The information will be given to the deputies who patrol your neighborhood at night. While we cannot "watch" your house, the deputies will try to check on it each night.
When the Communications Center receives a 911 call and the caller doesn't speak or hangs up, we have to verify whether it was an accidental call or if the caller could not report a medical problem or was under duress. The 911 computer will show us the address and phone number the call came from, if the call was made from a house phone or a landline phone. A dispatcher will try to call back the number to reach someone to determine whether or not there is a problem so appropriate help can be sent. If the dispatcher is unable to reach anyone, police or sheriff's units will be sent to the address to check on the occupants. (Unfortunately, 911 calls on cell phones will not show us an address or location of the caller at this time.)
Pend Oreille County Communications Center has a program in place called Medical Priorities. Basically, the program, through a series of medical questions, determines the severity of the medical condition. Based on the answers to the question, the proper level of care and response mode is determined. Also, with this system the dispatcher is able to provide medical instruction such a CPR or controlling bleeding to the caller.
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