Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 9-1-1?

If the situation is an immediate threat to life or property, call 9-1-1. If you feel it is not an emergency, call the non-emergency line at (219) 477-3170. If you need general information, try internet searches or phone books before you call.

 
What happens when I call 9-1-1?

If you are using a cellular telephone, your call is routed depending on which cell tower your phone signal hits and your general location. If your signal hits a tower in Porter County, your call will be routed to us. If your signal hits a tower in a neighboring county, your call may be routed to them and may require transfer. It is important to listen to what the telecommunicator is asking you and provide a location as to where you are. If you are on a landline, your call is routed to whatever jurisdiction you reside in. If you are using a VOIP (voice over internet protocol) phone, your call will be routed to whatever jurisdiction the phone is registered in.

 
Does the 9-1-1 center know my location when I call 9-1-1?

That depends. If you are calling from a landline phone, we will receive the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the account when you call. You will still need to verify that the information we have is correct. If you are calling from a cellular phone, we may only receive the address of the cell tower your signal hit and the telephone number. We may also receive a general location however you will still have to provide your location when calling.

 
What if I call 9-1-1 accidentally?

Do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the telecommunicator that everything is alright and that you dialed by accident. An officer may still be dispatched to verify there is no problem, don’t be alarmed, you are not in trouble.

 
Why do telecommunicators ask so many questions?

Telecommunicators are trained to obtain as much accurate information as possible. This information is relayed to the responders, often while you are on the phone. Telecommunicators will ask specific questions in order to determine who and what needs to be dispatched. Information gathered by telecommunicators is important to the responders and your safety.

 
Can I call 9-1-1 from a deactivated cell phone?

The answer is yes, you can. Cell phones do not have to have an active account to dial 9-1-1.

 
Can I text 9-1-1?

Yes. Make a voice call if you can, but if you can't or if making a voice call will put you in danger, text 9-1-1.

How can I prevent my child from accidentally dialing 9-1-1?

Teaching children when to call 9-1-1 is just as important as teaching them how to place a 9-1-1 call. A variety of resources are available to help parents and educators train children when and how to call 9-1-1. For more information, visit 911 for Kids. Parents should also be aware that wireless phones without a current calling plan through a wireless provider are still capable of connecting a call to a local 9-1-1 center. Children should be told not to dial 9-1-1 from these old or uninitialized phones, and it is recommended that parents remove the phone’s battery before giving these phones to children.

How can I reach 9-1-1 in a different state, county or city? 

With few exceptions, 9-1-1 calls cannot be transferred to other towns, cities or states. The best option to obtain emergency assistance in a different state, county or city is to dial the 10-digit phone number for law enforcement in the community where assistance is needed. Those numbers can be found on the local law enforcement agency’s websites.