INC NEWS - NEW NON-EMERGENCY 911 PHONE NUMBER 560-4600

[RW Pickle]

Non-Emergency Number Frees Up 911 Lines for Life Threatening Emergencies



Durham, N.C. – Barking dogs
loud music
burglaries occurring hours or days
earlier
vandalism to public or private property.  These are just a few
examples of the types of calls that can now be reported to Durham’s new,
non-emergency phone number.

The new number, (919) 560-4600, was established by the Durham Emergency
Communication Center (DECC) to free up 911 lines for life threatening or
in-progress emergencies.  According to Jim Soukup, director of the DECC,
the non-emergency number is an ideal way for residents to report events
that do not need an immediate response by a public safety agency.

“I have read on community list servs and responded to countless inquiries
from citizens who need to report something, such as a stolen flower pot or
a barking dog, but don’t know of another way to do so other than using
911,” Soukup said.  “Given the community need for a way to report an event
that doesn’t rise to the level of life threatening or in-progress
emergencies, we felt a new number to call would be beneficial to ensuring
our 911 lines are free for people who need immediate help and our
non-emergency line would be ideal for reporting non-emergency problems or
concerns.”

According to Soukup, all incidents reported through the non-emergency line
are tracked the same as if the call was received on the 911 lines.  “All
calls received on the non-emergency line are still received directly into
the DECC,” Soukup said.  “We still track the information and report it as
normal to the appropriate agency.  However, the 911 lines take precedent
and by citizens using the non-emergency line for these types of incidents
and events, the 911 lines remain open for people who do have
life-threatening emergencies.  Of course, if anyone is ever in doubt as to
which number to call, they should use 911.”

For more information about the DECC or the new, non-emergency phone
number, contact Soukup at (919) 560-4191 or via e-mail at
james.soukup at durhamnc.gov.

About Durham Emergency Communications Center

The Durham Emergency Communications Center (DECC) is dedicated to
promoting, preserving, and protecting the safety and security of all
citizens in Durham.  The DECC provides 24-hour, seven-day-a-week 911
access to citizens and user agencies in and around Durham County. 
Services include emergency and non-emergency requests as well as dispatch
for police, fire, EMS, and other City/County support agencies.  To learn
more, visit www.durhamnc.gov/departments/911.