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1. When is it appropriate to call 911?

9-1-1 is a number that is reserved for emergencies: Life or death situations, medical problems, and in-progress property crimes are examples of emergencies. If you are merely annoyed by a situation (such as loud music, or barking dogs) please use our non-emergency number of 561-368-6201. Your call will still be handled as quickly as possible, but in priority order so limited resources aren't taken away from people reporting true emergencies.

2. Why do you ask for my address and phone number, can't you see them on your screen?

9-1-1 uses special Caller ID technology called ANI/ALI (Automatic Number Identifier/Automatic Location Identifier) to display the caller's phone number and address. However, as with all technologies, it is not immune to the possibility of errors in the database. We ask, and verify, address and phone number information for your safety, and to assure we are responding to the correct location. It is also possible that the problem being reported is at a different location than where the call is being placed. If the call were disconnected prematurely, we need to know how to re-contact you for additional information. Asking this information does not delay the call in any way, and ensures you the proper response, and the best level of emergency services. Please call 561-338-1234 for more information.

3. Why do you ask so many questions, can't you just send help?

Telecommunicators are trained to gather all necessary information that the responding Police or Fire-Rescue units will need before they arrive at the scene of an emergency. This information ensures the proper unit(s) are sent, for the caller's, involved parties, and responding unit(s) safety. The questions help, they do not hinder nor do they delay the response. It is in everyone's best interests to answer all of them to the best of their ability.

On medical emergency calls, Telecommunicators utilize flip charts from the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD) to properly classify the call, select responding units, and determine the level of response needed. Extensive medical research has proven that these questions, and the information they elicit, are vital in providing the best level of pre-arrival healthcare for the patient.

Telecommunicators are also trained to provide pre-arrival instructions, such as how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or the Heimlich Maneuver to save a patient's life. Following these instructions is much more helpful than hanging up the phone before the Telecommunicator terminates the call. Please call 561-338-1234 for more information.

4. I received an email that says I can dial *677 from my cell phone if I need help. Is this true?

While private wireless carriers may allow alternate dialing options in different parts of the country, 9-1-1 is the one national number that you should use to call for help. It is much easier to remember, and much more reliable. Even cellular phones that do not have an active service plan can still access the 9-1-1 system in an emergency. Please call 561-338-1234 for more information.

5. I live in Boca Raton. Why was my call transferred to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (or other agency)?

The City of Boca Raton Police/Fire Communications Center's jurisdictional authority extends only as far as the incorporated city limits. If the place of occurrence of the incident was in the unincorporated area (commonly referred to as West Boca), or in some other city, you will be referred to the correct agency. Please call 561-338-1234 for more information.

6. What is the strangest call you've ever received?

Our 9-1-1 Dispatchers get asked this question very often. And while we did have some rather strange ones during the post-Anthrax attacks, the sensitive nature of our work requires that we protect the confidentiality of the information we hear. Please call 561-338-1234 for more information.