Communications Center

The Todd County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center is responsible for answering all emergency and non-emergency calls for service in Todd County.  The communications center dispatches all law enforcement, fire departments, and ambulance services for Todd County, and provides for all communications during response. 

The Todd County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center is staffed by 6 full time Public Safety Telecommunicators, as well as several part time staff.  Our trained telecommunicators utilize a variety of technology and programming including computer aided dispatch (CAD), radio and telephone systems, as well as supplemental technologies to ensure the most efficient and appropriate response to each and every assistance request.

What to expect when you call:

  • The Communications Center staff will ask you the location of the incident, as well as verifying your contact information including name and phone number
  • Be prepared to describe what is happening
  • The call taker will ask several questions to ensure that they are sending the proper response and that the responders have all necessary information
  • Do not hang up unless the staff advises you to do so

When to call 911:

  • Reporting a situation that requires a law enforcement response (e.g. assaults, traffic accidents, burglaries, damage to property)
  • Requesting an ambulance for medical assistance
  • Reporting a fire, smoke, or fire alarm that requires a fire department response
  • Reporting a crime in progress or suspicious activity

Contact the administrative line to:

  • Ask for information regarding the status of a report or investigation
  • Talk with a specific officer or employee
  • Request a copy of a report
  • Request information about a person under arrest
  • Other general information requests

Can I text 911 for emergency assistance?  Yes, text-to-911 service is enabled statewide.  Text-to-911 is an alternative option to calling 911 in an emergency.  While text-to-911 calls are processed with the same priority as voice calls, because of the extra time involved for messages to be typed and transmitted between the reporting party and the call taker, callers are encouraged to make a voice call whenever possible.  There are several situations where text-to-911 may be used:

  • If a crime is in progress and the reporting party cannot speak, or must remain quiet to stay safe
  • If the reporting party is deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or has a speech impairment
  • If the reporting party encounters a suicidal or agitated person

What should I do if I accidentally call 911?  If you dial 911 by mistake, or if a child in your home dials 911 when no emergency exists, DO NOT HANG UP.  Stay on the line and simply explain to the call taker what happened.  If the call does disconnect, the call taker will attempt to call back or find a location of the call to send responders to ensure that an emergency does not exist. 

988- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

  • The 988 Lifeline connects people with trained counselors who provide emotional support, crisis de-escalation, and links to local community resources
  • 988 is available by call, text, or chat (988lifeline.org)
  • 988 and 911 work together to ensure that callers are provided the correct resources for their situation and can transfer between services when needed.
    • If there is immediate physical danger, life threatening situations, or medical emergencies, call 911.
    • For suicidal thoughts, mental health concerns, substance abuse concerns or emotional support, call 988.