9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center

Dispatch

9-1-1 Dispatch Center

The 9-1-1 Dispatch Center is a specialized section of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. It provides centralized public safety communications for participating police, fire and emergency medical services agencies throughout Genesee County.

Dispatch Center Responsibilities

  • Answering, processing and maintaining the County's Enhanced 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System
  • Operating the County's 800 MHz trunked radio system, including assigning radio numbers, conducting dynamic incident regrouping, maintaining the computerized radio subscriber list and handling routine radio traffic
  • Answering and directing telephone communications for the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and City of Batavia Police Department

Administration and Oversight

The Genesee County Legislature has designated the Sheriff to administer the County's 9-1-1 Center and trunked radio system.

The Enhanced 9-1-1 Operations Board is appointed by the County Legislature and includes representatives from law enforcement, emergency management, fire services and emergency medical services. The Board oversees the operations of the County's 9-1-1 Center. Daily operations are administered by the Director of Emergency Communications.

Timely and accurate information is vital to law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services. The Dispatch Center serves these public safety agencies and the residents of Genesee County.

Text to 9-1-1 Service

Call 9-1-1 when you can. Text 9-1-1 when you cannot safely make a voice call.

When to Text 9-1-1

  • A voice call is generally the best option because dispatchers may receive more location information and hear background sounds or conversations that could assist emergency responders.
  • Text to 9-1-1 provides access for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty speaking.
  • Texting may be appropriate when speaking could reveal a victim's hiding location or otherwise place someone in danger.

How to Text 9-1-1 in an Emergency

  1. Enter 911 in the recipient or “To” field.
  2. In the first message, provide the location of the emergency and the type of help needed.
  3. Send the message. If you are hiding, silence your phone's sounds and alerts.
  4. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
  5. Use complete, simple words. Do not use abbreviations or emojis.
  6. Keep messages brief and clear.

Important Text-to-9-1-1 Limitations

  • Location information received through text may be less precise than location information available through other 9-1-1 technology.
  • Text messages may be delayed, arrive out of order or not be received. This may delay the emergency response.
  • Text to 9-1-1 may not be available while roaming.
  • A text or data plan may be required.
  • If text to 9-1-1 is unavailable, you should receive a message directing you to contact 9-1-1 by another method.
  • Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 at this time.
  • Do not send a group message. Send the emergency text only to 9-1-1.

Do not text while driving.

Misusing 9-1-1 may be considered falsely reporting an incident or aggravated harassment and could result in arrest and prosecution.

View additional text-to-9-1-1 information from the National Emergency Number Association.

Business Emergency Contact Form

Businesses are encouraged to complete the Business Emergency Contact Form. If an after-hours alarm, burglary, fire, accident or other emergency occurs, emergency personnel may need to contact a business representative or ask a key holder to respond.

The information will be maintained by the Emergency Dispatch Center and used by emergency services personnel. It will be kept confidential and will not be used for solicitation or sales or released to the public.

Business Emergency Contact Form (fillable PDF)(PDF, 475KB)

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