COMMUNICATIONS

 
This is where it all begins. Each dispatcher is highly trained to answer a total of 12 incoming lines. Multi tasking and the ability to maintain one’s composure is the key to answering 2 Davidson County 911 lines, 2 Sumner County 911 lines, two non emergency lines, intercoms, a shift of police officer’s radio traffic, and fire radio traffic. The stress rate can be unbelievable and they have to be calm even when dealing with life threatening calls.  Each day the lives of officers, fire personnel and the public rest in their hands.   This is definitely not a job for everyone.  We salute their dedication and abilities.    All communications officers are required to be certified by Tennessee state law.  The members also complete N.C.I.C. (National Crime Information Center) training on the National computer.  The training and computers are linked across the country in order to provide instant information on fugitives, criminal histories, driver’s licenses, etc.

  
Our 911 Communication Center was featured during a recent International Association of Public Safety Communication Officials Convention (APCO) and our 911 Center was toured by busloads of Public Safety Officials from all over the world  Most of them left impressed with the facilities, the level of technology, and staffing for an agency of this size.  When you call 911, or one of the business phone lines, the Communication staff will make every effort to get you the service and help you need as quickly as possible.  We pride ourselves in the fact that most calls for service are answered, dispatched, and a police or fire unit, is on the scene of your emergency, usually in less than 3-4 minutes.  As Jay likes to say, “your knight in shining armor” is there to protect and help you through your emergency.  And sometimes they really do arrive “on horseback” if the responding unit is the Goodlettsville Mounted Patrol working at Rivergate Mall or at one of many City Parks!  Not many agencies can say that.  This level of immediate emergency service is only possible because of the 84 years combined service and experience by the 14 dedicated, professional people who work in the Communications Department.

You may request a special watch for your residence any time you are out of town or are having problems with unauthorized people on your property.  Please print this form, fill it out and bring it to the Police Department, located inside City Hall at 105 S. Main Street, or you may fax it to (615) 859-5223.  The information will be given to each Patrol Shift and your residence will be checked several times each 12-hour shift until your return.

Please call  (615) 859-3405 when you return home to cancel the house watch.