The Communications Bureau is responsible for maintaining a vital link between the public and the officers in the field. Public Safety Dispatchers handle many types of calls and situations daily ranging from routine to life-threatening incidents. The dispatcher provides a necessary and indispensable service for both the public and the police officers.

The Communications Bureau answers all 9-1-1 calls within the City of Chino as well as all calls received on the non-emergency phone number (909-628-1234). In addition, dispatchers are responsible for keeping track of all police officers working in the field. They monitor radio traffic, respond to requests, dispatch them to calls for service, process requests for information on vehicles and subjects, and serve as the officer's lifeline should he or she become involved in a critical incident. Public Safety Dispatchers and their Supervisors are highly trained individuals with excellent multi-tasking, listening, decision making, dexterity, and typing skills.

9-1-1 Tips

When Should I Call 9-1-1?
- When you have a life or death emergency
- When you are reporting a fire
- When you need paramedics
- When you are witnessing or are the victim of a crime in progress

When Should I Call (909) 628-1234?
- When the incident you are reporting is non-life-threatening
- When you are reporting a crime that is not occurring now
- When you need to speak with an officer

What about Cell Phones?
Most often, when you dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone your call will be received by the California Highway Patrol. Due to the high volume of calls they receive, be prepared for extended hold times. If you are reporting a crime that is not traffic related or occuring on a highway, the CHP dispatcher will need to transfer you to the jurisdiction where the crime is occuring. This too can lead to a delay in being able to report your call to the local police department.

Technology is now allowing police agencies to receive 9-1-1 cell phone calls. However, not all agencies have this technology, nor are all cell phone carriers able to offer it to their customers. Until the service is available in most cities and through most cell phone carriers, it is recommended that cell phone users:

• Program their cell phones with the dispatch phone number of their City.
  For Chino residents that number is (909) 628-1234.
• Be aware of your location as you drive. You will save valuable time if you know what city you are in or if you can give an exact location when you dial 9-1-1 on your cell phone. When you are able to inform the CHP dispatcher of your exact location they will be able to connect you with the proper agency more quickly.