Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

911

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  • Don't Hang Up!

    Explain to the operator that it was a mistake, whether you were dialing long-distance or hit the wrong button. If you hang up, we must call you back to ensure your safety. If we can't reach you, a Police Officer or Sheriff's Deputy may be sent to your location.

    911

  • When reporting an incident, be prepared to answer the following 

    • Where? Location of the incident
    • What? Nature of the incident
    • When? Time the incident occurred
    • Who? People involved
    • Why? Reason for the incident (if known)
    • How? How the incident happened
    • Weapons? Any weapons involved
    911

  • Give the Dispatcher Your Location!

    Midland Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) can receive calls from 17 surrounding counties, but the system cannot automatically identify the location of cellular calls. After stating your emergency, provide your location, such as the city name, mile marker, or highway name. Stay on the line until the transfer is completed.

    911

  • Dispatchers ask standard questions to prioritize your call and determine the necessary response. After confirming your location, help can be sent to the location. Answer additional questions to assist law enforcement, fire department, or paramedics, This helps in providing the necessary aid and increases the chances of a successful response. Answering the questions does not prolong assistance as another dispatcher may be dispatching the responders.

    911

  • Yes, there is a 24-hour, toll-free, TDD/TTY telephone access for emergency 911 and non-emergency calls. We ensure prompt handling and routing of all calls, including misdirected ones. You should always call 911 if you can and text 911 ONLY when you cannot.

    911

  • Describe their clothing from head to toe. Also, mention their direction of travel and mode of travel (e.g., on foot, in a vehicle as per the CYMBALS format). 

    Provide the following details:

    • Race
    • Sex
    • Approximate Age
    • Hair Color and Length
    • Eye Color
    • Build
    911

  • An emergency is any situation where life and/or property is in immediate danger. If you're unsure, call 911. The dispatcher will redirect you to a non-emergency number if needed, keeping the 911 lines open for real emergencies. 

    Call 911 for:

    • Traffic accidents with injuries
    • Medical emergencies
    • Burglaries or robberies in progress
    • Domestic violence
    • Situations involving a weapon
    911

  • Use North, South, East, and West directions to guide us to the location. Mention the type and color of the dwelling, any vehicles around it, and any distinguishing marks at the location. 

    Helpful Tip: Post your address, directions, and a description near the phone. This helps children or anyone experiencing distress during an emergency provide accurate information for a quicker response.

    911

  • Use the CYMBALS format and provide the direction the vehicle was last seen traveling, along with the number of occupants.

    • C: Color of the vehicle e.g., light or dark if exact color is unknown
    • Y: Year or approximate year of the vehicle (e.g., late 60s, early 70s)
    • M: Make of the vehicle
    • B: Body style (e.g., truck, car, 4-door, 2-door, station wagon)
    • A: Additional descriptors (e.g., dent in left front fender, primer paint on hood)
    • L: License plate number (or partial plate number, e.g., TZ3???)
    • S: State of license plate issue
    911