Charge
The Communications Division, under the direction of the Communications Administrator, is responsible for receiving calls for service and relaying any needed information to police, fire and medical providers. The Communications Division uses the latest computerized technology including Enhanced 911, Phase 2 911 and mapping data in the provision of these services. The Communications Division's area of responsibility includes the City of Auburn, Auburn University and the Auburn Police jurisdiction. The Communications Division also supports the Auburn community by hosting 911 Center tours and public speaking engagements.
Mission
The Communications Division is committed to providing accurate and reliable response to those who are in need of assistance. The division's mission is accomplished with a trained and knowledgeable staff that utilizes state-of-the art radio and telephone equipment designed specifically for Public Safety use. The Communications Division takes a progressive stance on providing the best possible service to those in need.
Additional Info
The Communications Division of the Public Safety Department is located at 161 North Ross Street. Communications Division is staffed with three Communications Officers at all times. These on-duty personnel are responsible for receiving calls for service and relaying information and instructions for police, fire, medical, and all other emergency services.
The Communications Division has 10 full time personnel and 6 part-time or student personnel. Communications Officers are responsible for answering multiple telephone lines, including emergency 911, non-emergency, and direct ring down lines to each fire station and to the Emergency Medical Service at the hospital. During the course of their duties, Communications Officers also monitor and respond to emergency service personnel on multiple radio frequencies.
To assist Communications Officers, a system known as Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) has been implemented which allows for the entering, monitoring, and tracking of calls for service. In addition to the CAD software, Communications Officers utilize several other types of computer equipment, which assists in the delivery of services.
When providing a service such as emergency communications, it is essential to stay abreast of changing technology and ensure that the best quality of service is being received. When an emergency call is received, it is crucial that a well-trained Communications Officer answers the request in order to provide the needed assistance without delay. The City of Auburn Communications Division works hard to meet both of these measures with great pride and distinction.
The Communications Division participates in the Student Employee Program. Students who are selected for employment in the Communications Division are eligible for tuition reimbursement and free housing at one of the five fire stations located throughout the city. If you are interested in part-time employment, tuition reimbursement and housing, please refer to the Student Employee Program with Human Resources at (334) 501-7240 or call the Emergency Communications Administrator, Adam Brown, at (334) 501-3101.
Interesting facts
- The average 911 call is answered within 3 seconds.
- The average non-emergency call is answered within 3 seconds.
- The 911 Center handles approximately 14,000 telephone calls per month.
- Fifty-three percent of telephone calls are received on non-emergency lines.
- Over seventy percent of all 911 calls received are from a cell phone.
- The City of Auburn established 911 as the emergency number in 1988.
- The first 911 call made in the United States was made in Haleyville, Alabama in 1968.
