Communications Center

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The Denville Police Department operates its own Communications Center inside of Police Headquarters.  The Communications Center is manned 24 hours a day/7 days a week by either a full or part-time Dispatcher, or in cases of emergency by a qualified Police Officer.  The Communications Center handles all telephone calls into the Police Department, including non-emergency calls and 9-1-1 calls for police, fire or medical assistance.

In addition, the Communications Center is monitors and broadcasts emergency and other messages over the Township's police, fire and Department of Public Works radio frequencies, as well as monitoring emergency frequencies for the State of New Jersey and The County of Morris. 

The Communications Center records all calls for service into a Computer Aided Dispatch program and is responsible for the proper entry of information into that system.  The Communications Center also has access to the NJ Motor Vehicle, National Crime Information Center, Administrative Office of the Courts and other computer databases in order to obtain and disseminate important information regarding any ongoing investigations.

The Denville Police Department currently employs four full-time dispatchers, one assigned to each patrol squad, and two part-time dispatchers.

Emergency 9-1-1 System

9-1-1 is for emergency use only!!!  All other calls for service or questions should be made to our non-emergency number: 973-627-4900

Generally, whenever you dial 9-1-1 from a telephone within Denville Township, your call will be answered by a dispatcher at our police headquarters. Our dispatcher will need to know who is calling, where you are calling from, the phone number of the phone you are calling from, and the nature of the emergency. It is important for you to try to remain calm and speak in a clear voice.

If your 9-1-1 call involves a medical emergency, after receiving the above information, the dispatcher may also transfer your call to an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at the Morris County Communications Center to provide you with pre-arrival instructions if needed.

 

Important Questions about 9-1-1

Q. When should I call 9-1-1?

For all crimes in progress, medical emergencies, fires, serious motor vehicle accidents, or for any other incident which requires an immediate police, fire, or emergency medical response.

Q. What do I need to tell the dispatcher?

You will need to provide your name, the phone number your calling from, and the location and nature of the emergency. Try to remain calm and speak with a clear voice while providing this information.

Q. What should I do if I dial 9-1-1 by accident?

Please DO NOT HANG UP! Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that the call was made in error. Our department's policy is to investigate all abandoned 9-1-1 calls to determine whether or not a true emergency exists. This may result in a police officer will being dispatched to your location.

 

9-1-1 and the Law

Under NJ Law, it is illegal to make false/prank phone calls to 9-1-1. NJ Statute 2C:33-3.e states, "A person is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if the person knowingly places a call to a 9-1-1 emergency telephone system without purpose of reporting the need for 9-1-1 service."  If convicted for a violation of this statute, you could face up to 6 months imprisonment and a $500.00 fine.

 

9-1-1 and Cell Phones

Depending on your service provider, 9-1-1 calls placed from a cell phone may not provide us with your exact location. Your location may be generated based upon the cell tower your call is being transmitted from or through GPS. Each of these methods may not be very accurate in determining your exact position. Therefore, it is imperative that you try to remain calm and answer any questions the dispatcher may have, especially regarding the location of the emergency