Charleston County
Consolidated 911 Center
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The Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center currently dispatches for:
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St. Pauls Fire Department
During 2013, the 9-1-1 center is expected to be completely consolidated and will dispatch for the above agencies as well as:
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Charleston Police Department
How does 9-1-1 work?
In most cases, when you call 9-1-1 from a landline phone, such as a house, business or pay phone, the call is automatically routed to the appropriate 9-1-1dispatch center. When calling from a landline phone, the telephone number and address are transmitted to the 9-1-1 center and displayed to the dispatcher.
When you call 9-1-1 from a wireless device, such as a cell phone, it is slightly different. Cell phones transmit the signal to the nearest cellular tower, and it then travels to the 9-1-1 center associated with that tower. In some cases, the receiving 9-1-1 center is not the correct agency that you need to respond to your incident, which is why you may have to be transferred to another 9-1-1 center.
When calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the phone number is transmitted to the 9-1-1 center and displayed to the dispatcher. Charleston County has 9-1-1 Phase 2 technology that triangulates the cell phone 's signal and gives an approximate location of where the call originated.
When calling 9-1-1, whether from a landline or wireless device, the dispatcher is going to ask you your location. Location is key in receiving the help you need. The system is not perfect, and there can be discrepancies. This is why the dispatcher must confirm your location.
If you are hearing or speech impaired, Charleston County is equipped with a Text Telephone (TDD/TTY) device that all dispatchers are trained to use.
For those who do not speak English, Charleston County utilizes an interpreter service. The service has interpreters for over 175 languages.
9-1-1 Tips
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Stay calm and speak clearly.
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Do not hang up until directed to by the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
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Answer the dispatcher 's questions promptly and to the point.
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Be able to provide location information and directions.
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Be as descriptive as possible. You may be asked to identify people or automobiles involved. The more information you can provide, the better the dispatcher will be able to prioritize your call and relay details to responding units.
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If the situation changes before help arrives, call 9-1-1 again and give the dispatcher an update.
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If you experience problems with the dispatcher or feel your call was handled inappropriately, ask to speak to the on-duty supervisor.
Where is the information I am providing going?
While the dispatcher asks you questions, he or she is entering the information into a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD). Other dispatchers can see the information as it is being taken and can send the necessary responders while you are still talking to the dispatcher. Talking to the dispatcher does not delay response. The dispatcher is gathering information that is necessary for the responding units.
When should I call 9-1-1?
Call 9-1-1 to report life threatening emergencies, crimes in progress and other emergency situations that require immediate response.
Some examples of when to call 9-1-1:
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Heart attack or stroke
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Building fire
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Break-in in progress
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Car accidents involving injuries
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Robbery
If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 and let the 9-1-1 dispatcher determine if it is an emergency. It is better to be safe than sorry. If the dispatcher determines that your situation is not an emergency, he or she may ask you to call back on a non-emergency, seven-digit administrative line. There are a limited number of 9-1-1 lines, which is why it is very important to make sure that only emergency calls are being taken on 9-1-1.
What are the non-emergency administrative line numbers in Charleston County?
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Awendaw Fire Department: (843) 928-3294
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Charleston County Sheriff 's Office: (843) 202-1700
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Charleston County Emergency Medical Services: (843) 745-4000
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Charleston Police & Fire Departments: (843) 577-7434
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Folly Beach Public Safety: (843) 588-2433
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Isle of Palms Police Department: (843) 886-6522
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Isle of Palms Fire Department: (843) 886-6155
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James Island PSD Fire Department: (843) 795-2094
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Lincolnville Police & Fire Departments: (843) 873-3261
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Mount Pleasant Police & Fire Departments: (843) 884-4176
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North Charleston Police & Fire Departments: (843) 554-5700
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St. Andrews Fire Department: (843) 556-8951
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St. Pauls Fire Department: (843) 889-8874
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St. Johns Fire Department: (843) 559-9194
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Sullivan 's Island Police Department: (843) 883-9636
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Sullivan 's Island Fire Department: (843) 883-9944
What if I call 9-1-1 by mistake?
If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not hang up. Even if you dial 9-1-1 and hang the phone up immediately before even hearing the ring, the call still comes in to the 9-1-1 center. Most Charleston County agencies have a 9-1-1 hang up response plan. If the 9-1-1 center receives a hang up call, a police officer is dispatched to the location to ensure everything is okay. If you stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that it was a mistake and everything is okay, a police officer may not have to respond. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will determine if a response is needed.
Does the 9-1-1 dispatcher know my location?
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 don 't 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 9-1-1 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.
While the dispatcher is speaking to me, is help being sent?
Once the basic information and reason for the 9-1-1 call is obtained, the dispatcher stays on the line with the caller and obtains further information. Another dispatcher simultaneously dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel. In some cases, the 9-1-1 dispatcher will urge the caller to stay on the line until help arrives on scene.
Can I dial 9-1-1 from my VoIP phone?
You can reach emergency assistance by dialing 9-1-1 on most VoIP phones. However, there are important differences between some VoIP 9-1-1 services and traditional 9-1-1 service from a standard phone. Sometimes the 9-1-1 dispatcher may not have a display of the number your calling from or your location. In addition, your call may arrive at a remote private call center if there is confusion over your location.
Do service outages affect my ability to call 9-1-1 from a VoIP phone?
They might. Just as a cordless phone may not work without power, your VoIP phone may not work without power either. As a result, you may be unable to make any calls, including those to 9-1-1, during an electrical outage. Similarly, if your cable or broadband service is interrupted, it may keep you from being able to make outbound calls.
Should I keep my traditional phone line after I subscribe to VoIP service?
Yes. 9-1-1 leaders recommend you have an active land-line phone service in addition to your VoIP phone in order to ensure you can access 9-1-1 services, especially during power or service outages.
Do people actually prank call 9-1-1?
Unfortunately, yes. 9-1-1 centers across the country receive prank calls everyday. There are only a certain number of 9-1-1 lines designated to each particular center. If a dispatcher is tied up on a prank 9-1-1 call, it can delay a real emergency from being answered and handled.
Section 23-47-80 in State of South Carolina code of laws states:
“ It is unlawful for a person anonymously or otherwise to:
(1) use any words or language of a profane, vulgar, lewd, lascivious, or indecent nature on an emergency 911 number with the intent to intimidate or harass a dispatcher;
(2) telephone the emergency 911 number, whether or not conversation ensues for the purpose of annoying or harassing the dispatcher or interfering with or disrupting emergency 911 service;
(3) make a telephone call to a 911 dispatcher and intentionally fail to hang up or disengage the connection for the purpose of interfering with or disrupting emergency service;
(4) telephone the emergency 911 number and intentionally make a false report.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than six months or fined not more than two hundred dollars, or both.”
How do I become a 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatcher?
For information on current position openings, visit Charleston County Government 's Employment Opportunities page.
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, contact Lisa Riccio by e-mail or phone at (843) 202-7911. 9-1-1 training and education demonstrations are available.
Charleston County 9-1-1 Center Call & Incident Volumes
*2008 data collected from the Charleston, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Charleston County Sheriff 's Office and Charleston County EMS. These numbers are for informational purposes only and may not be exact.
Total 9-1-1 calls for 2008: 377,569*
By source:
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Landline: 127,859
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Wireless: 248,575
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VOIP (Internet/Digital Phone): 1,135
By type:
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Administrative Lines: 959,504
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Police Incidents: 837,169
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Fire/EMS Incidents: 956,009