The goal of the Communications Center is to provide prompt and efficient response to calls for service in emergency, non-emergency and other public safety situations. Our goal is achieved by the utilization of qualified professional personnel, a Computer Aided Dispatch System, Radio System, and a computerized Enhanced 911 Telephone System.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center prioritizes the handling of calls based on immediate threat to life and/or property.
9-1-1
Locality Considerations
It’s always important to know where you are when you call 9-1-1, even when calling from a landline that provides the information to the operator. You should always be able to tell the operator exactly where you are when you call.
When calling from your cell phone, give your address AND the nearest intersecting street (very important for verifying the address) Example:
- I live in Memphis at 123 S. Main Street near Union Avenue
- I live in Collierville at 500 Poplar View Parkway near Civic Center Drive
- I’m in a car accident on Perkins St and Walnut Grove
If an address is not available, use landmarks such as billboards, mile markers, buildings, etc. to describe the location.
Also, when calling from your cell phone, your signal may travel beyond municipal boundaries. This makes stating your location even more important. When this happens, don’t be alarmed if the operator transfers you to the proper agency in your area.
Text to 9-1-1
The Sheriff’s Communication Office can accept text to 911. This alternate method should only be used if you are unable to make a voice call. Additionally, text to 911 falls under the same rules as calling 911. It should be an life-threating emergency or significant property damage. The responding operator will ask for permission to call you. Be sure to communicate to the operator that calling you could increase your danger if you feel that is the case. A voice call is considerably faster in getting you needed resources.
FAQ
Source: Shelby County 911 Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Emergency Numbers
For situations that require assistance but are not life-threatening, contact the public safety agency listed below that serves your location.
| Bartlett Police |
385-5555 |
| Collierville Police |
853-3207 |
| Germantown Police |
754-7222 |
| Memphis Fire |
458-8281 |
| Memphis Police |
545-2677 |
| Millington Police |
872-3333 |
| Shelby County Fire |
379-7070 |
| Shelby County Sheriff |
379-7625 |
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
(901) 415-2790
The Library Information Center at the Memphis Public Library has helped provide connections between people in need and community resources since 1975. It has the most comprehensive database of human service resources in the area and is continuously updated.
ROAD & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
For up-to-date information on road and travel conditions, traffic incidents and construction on Tennessee highways: Tennessee 511