9/27/2011911 Communication
911 Communication
On October 3, 2011, the City of Dunwoody joined the cities
of Sandy Springs and Johns Creek in their joint 9-1-1 center known as
Chattahoochee River 9-1-1 Authority, or ChatComm.
Since we began police
operations on April 1st, 2009, we have had an Intergovernmental
Agreement with DeKalb County for E911 services. Six months ago, the
Dunwoody City Council voted to change E911 providers.
Chatcomm
is a state of the art and accredited E911 center providing exceptional
service to both Sandy Springs and Johns Creek. ChatComm has proven
performance standards and answer all 9-1-1 calls within 10 seconds and
90% of all calls will be processed for dispatch within 60 seconds. Our
department has added technology, including automatic vehicle location
devices and silent dispatch capabilities which will improve service as
well. Dunwoody Joins Chat Comm
If
you have a need for police, fire or EMS, we encourage you to dial 911
from your home phone or landline. Mobile/cell phones do not provide
location data. The call taker receives your address when you call from
your landline. This will ensure a more timely response to all
emergencies. If, however, you dial 911 from your mobile phone, be sure
to inform the call taker you are calling from a mobile phone and your
location, if known.
Residents
and businesses are encouraged to assist with the transition by
reviewing the transition of their 911 fees on their current phone
bill(s). The State of Georgia gives cities the ability to assess a $1.50
fee per phone line (landline, mobile, and VoIP) per month to assist
with the funding of location-based technology ensuring emergency
responders are dispatched to the correct location.
Prior
to the transition, all 911 fees collected from Dunwoody residents and
businesses were remitted to DeKalb County as our 911 emergency service
provider. With the transition, all 911 fees should go directly to the
City to continue paying for 911 services. However, many of the 911 fees
collected from Dunwoody residents and businesses may inadvertently
continue to be remitted to DeKalb County.
The
911 fees can be found as a line item on the monthly phone statement.
Dunwoody’s participation in ChatComm is funded in part by those 911
fees. Sample phone line statements can be found on the City of Dunwoody
website by clicking the “911 button” located on the right side of the
home page. Dunwoody has contacted the telephone service providers in
advance of the transition, but appreciates the help of our residents to
provide for a smooth transition.
