By LEIGH SHAKES
Public Safety Dispatcher
Alliance Public Safety Dispatchers handle multiple 911 calls every day. 911 is called for obvious emergency reasons, but is also called by accident very often.
When this occurs, Dispatchers are required to call back the 911 caller for additional information. The police department’s policy is to follow up with each 911 “hang-up” or accidental call.
This may seem odd, but there have been a number of occurrences when a 911 caller called for an emergency, but is later coerced by a suspect to tell the 911 Dispatcher everything is okay, when in fact it is not.
For this reason, officers will respond and make contact to check the welfare of the caller to ensure the caller is safe. If you accidentally dial 911 please remain on the line and simply explain this to the Dispatcher.
An officer will come to check on you and that is okay. It is their requirement for the safety of the public. As soon as a 911 call is initiated it will be completed, no matter how fast you hang up. 911 is only a call away. The more information a Dispatcher has will allow for a faster response and better service for you.