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Communications

The Communications Center is the nerve center of the Police Department. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Downey Police Dispatchers work around the clock to process all emergency and non-emergency calls in the City of Downey. 11 full time dispatchers and 4 part time dispatchers are highly trained to answer, screen and determine the proper response needed for each call received into the Communications Center.  Field personnel are dispatched using state of the art equipment, including a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, sophisticated radio equipment and Mobile Data Computers in their units.  The CAD system can provide information such as hazardous locations, as well as any other pertinent information (e.g. Officer Safety information, gate codes or phone numbers for responsible parties) and call history about any location in Downey.  

The role of the dispatcher is vital to the operation of the Police Department.  It is one of the most stressful and demanding positions, requiring the ability to type quickly and to multitask while keeping a caller on the line and dispatching officers. Downey Police dispatchers strive to provide high quality customer service.  

The dispatcher is the direct link between the public and the field units.  Below are some tips that can help you help responding units during an emergency:

  • 911
    • When should you call 9-1-1?

      You should only call 9-1-1 when you are reporting an emergency. An emergency is a situation in which emergency services will result in the saving of a life, a reduction in the destruction of property, quicker apprehension of criminals, or assistance with potentially life-threatening medical problems, a fire, a need for rescue, an imminent potential crime, or a similar situation in which immediate assistance is required. Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies; this causes delays in the handling of real emergencies. If you have a non-emergency, you can call the Communications Center at 562-861-0770.

    • What should I expect when calling 9-1-1?
      • Remain Calm
      • Speak Clearly
      • Listen to all instructions
      • Answer all questions completely

      The dispatcher may ask you several questions depending on the nature of the problem. It is important for them to obtain as much information as possible for the safety of the responding units. If you are reporting a fire emergency, you will be asked by the dispatcher to stay on the phone if possible while you are transferred to the fire department. If the dispatcher asks you to stay on the phone until first responders arrive, please do so. You are the eyes and the ears of the dispatcher and can provide vital information to responding units.

       

    • Does the dispatcher know my location when I call from a cell phone?

      Most mobile networks have the capability to provide GPS coordinates of your location, but it can have limitations, such as your proximity to the cell tower, or if you are inside a multi-floor building or an apartment complex. It is best to assume that the dispatcher does not have your exact location. Seconds count! It is important that you remain on the line with the dispatcher so that responding units are dispatched to the correct location.

    • What questions should I expect when I call 9-1-1?
      Questions that you might be asked:
      • What is your location?
      •  What is your callback number? (it is for our information only)
      •  What is the emergency that you are reporting?
      •  If a crime is involved or you see or saw the suspect, be prepared to provide a description so all officers can begin searching for the suspect. 
      Please be prepared to describe:
      • Sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color and length, color of eyes
      • Clothing - Hat or cap, jacket or coat, shirt, pants and shoes 
      • Other pertinent information such as scars, marks or tattoos
      • Vehicle description (license plate number, color, year, make, model, style (2 door or 4 door), number of occupants, and any other unique features such as traffic collision damage or stickers.  It is also important to know what the last direction of travel for the suspects or vehicles involved.