Before the police arrive, Emergency Communicators are there. Each year they evaluate and dispatch required resources for over 14,000 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls to the South Simcoe Police. As the ‘first’ of the first responders, these Emergency Communicators serve as the critical link between citizens and the emergency help they require.
The South Simcoe Police Communication Centre is responsible for dispatching police calls for service throughout Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Calls for police services are dispatched directly to patrol officers in the area where the call is occurring. Depending on the nature of the incident, one or more officers and/or police agencies may be dispatched.
The Communications Centre also receives and processes all non-emergency calls for service received from the public, and monitors all SSPS officers on patrol using a Global Positioning System (GPS), along with data and voice transmissions.
Emergency Communicators serve the public, other emergency agencies, alarm companies, tow companies and others.
The Communications Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Communicators work 12 hours shifts in either a Dispatcher or Calltaker role.
9-1-1 FAQ
9-1-1 is the number to call when you have an emergency and need help from the police, fire or ambulance right away.
What information do you collect when I call 9-1-1?
Traditional land-line telephone services provide the local 9-1-1 system with enhanced information. Enhanced means that when you call 9-1-1, your address, telephone number and your name or phone company’s name and number appear automatically on the computer screen of the Emergency Communicator answering your call.
Newer telephone technologies, such as cell phones and Internet- and cable-based phones (commonly referred to as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol), may not provide all of the enhanced 9-1-1 features available on a traditional telephone.
For business phones, check with your manager about 9-1-1 service in your building. If you have to call 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the building address, floor and office from where you are calling.
What if my phone does not have enhanced 9-1-1 service?
In all cases, listen carefully to the Emergency Communicator, follow instructions and stay on the line. If your address does not appear on the computer screen, the communicator may ask you more questions to find out exactly where you are.
My phone works through the Internet or a cable connection. Will I still be able to call 9-1-1?
9-1-1 access for Internet or cable-based phones may differ depending on the type of service. Check with your phone service provider to learn about their 9-1-1 details BEFORE an emergency.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay phone?
Yes, and calls to 9-1-1 from a pay phone are free.
I accidentally called 9-1-1. Should I just hang up?
No, don’t hang up. Please stay on the line and tell the Emergency Communicator what has happened. If you hang up, they will call back and may send emergency services to your address if there’s no response.
How can I call 9-1-1 if the power is out?
It’s a good idea to have at least one phone in your house that does not require power, so you can make emergency calls during an outage.
