Communications Division
The Communications Division, also known as the 911 Center, serves Stearns County and all of the cities in the County. The 911 Center provides 24-hour coverage. The Center dispatches for fire and rescue departments, police departments, and ambulance services.
The 911 Center uses Computer-Aided Dispatching, or CAD. CAD saves valuable time in dispatching emergency units. In cases where there is a Mobile Communications Terminal in the squad cars, the calls are sent directly to the unit via computer.
In addition to radio and telephone communications, the 911 Center is connected with the State of Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension teletype network and the national teletype network. These networks provide information to and from all sheriff's departments, police departments, federal and state agencies in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.
The Communications staff monitors weather advisories and alerts, and appropriate information is relayed to other law enforcement agencies throughout the County. The dispatchers provide a valuable link to emergency responders for all Stearns County residents. Learn more about the 911 Center .