Proudly serving the citizens of Muhlenberg County with integrity since 1991.
Kristi D. Jenkins, Director
Delanna Moore, Deputy Director
David T. Knight, Supervisor/PIO
Frequently asked questions
WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1?
WHAT IF I CALL 911 ON ACCIDENT?
If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, DO NOT HANG UP! Tell the dispatcher that you called by mistake and that you do not have an emergency. Any time a dispatcher receives a 911 "hang up", the caller must be contacted to be sure that no actual emergency exists. This may require that an officer be needlessly dispatched to your home or office to ensure the well being of all persons there.
What if a caller does not speak English well enough to explain what he or she needs and to answer the operator’s questions?
Muhlenberg County 9-1-1 uses a language translation service provided to handle emergency calls.
Is it possible to tour the dispatch center?
Yes, it is possible to arrange a tour for groups. If children are involved, they must be old enough to understand the need to be relatively quiet. Our radio and telephone equipment is sensitive enough to pick up loud voices and other background noise. To ask about a tour, see our COMMUNITY OUTREACH page on our website. You can also call dispatch at 270-338-2000 and leave a message for Public Information Officer David Knight.
What questions will the 9-1-1 operator ask?
How long will it take for officers to respond?
Dispatchers are not able to give exact times for officer response as we dispatch based on priority. We cannot account for any emergency calls that may come in and delay response to other pending calls. Dispatch does our best to send officers as soon as one is available.
Why were officers diverted while responding to my call?
Sometimes officers need to be diverted from lower priority calls to respond to higher priority emergencies. This helps to ensure the safety of our citizens and officers, but may increase response times for low priority calls.
What issues can arise with cell phones and 911?
What issues can arise with VOIP and 911?
Does 911 know where I am?
Assume the 9-1-1 dispatcher does not know your location. Some cell phones are able to triangulate the signal and give an approximate location, but you will need to provide the dispatcher with additional location information. Be prepared to give precise directions to your location.
What if I dont know where I am when I call 9-1-1?
Look for landmarks, large buildings, street signs or paperwork nearby that may contain address information. Think back to the main street or highway you were near when your emergency occurred. If others are around, ask them where you are.
Why is the dispatcher asking me so many questions?
The dispatcher is the vital link between the public and emergency response personnel. The dispatcher must get information to pass on to the responders to help them more accurately prepare for the situation to which they are responding. In addition, dispatchers are trained to give pre-arrival instructions in some instances, which can help the victim until responders arrive.
Are guest speakers available for a school, business or civic group function?
Yes. If you are interested in having a guest speaker at your function, go to the COMMUNITY OUTREACH section of our website. You can also call dispatch at 270-338-2000 and leave a message for Public Information Officer David Knight.