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1. I've accidently dialed 9-1-1. What should I do?

If you accidentally dial 9-1-1 and do not have any emergency it is important to stay on the line and explain to the call taker that answers your call that you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake. Hanging up before speaking with the 9-1-1 call taker will result in the call taker calling you back and law enforcement could be dispatched to your location.

2. Who do I call for non-emergencies?

For non-emergencies, such as noise complaints, animal complaints and police related incidents where there is not a crime in progress, contact our non-emergency line at 803-329-1110 or 803-628-3056. Please keep in mind, 9-1-1 does not provide legal advice.

3. Why was I put on hold, after advising 9-1-1 that I needed to talk to law enforcement?

When a caller requests a law enforcement agency other than the York County Sheriff's Office or Tega Cay Police Department, the 9-1-1 call taker will get the local municipal police department on the line with you. This process may take approximately 2-3 seconds by a one-button transfer. The 9-1-1 call taker will remain on the line until both parties are heard talking to each other, then we will disconnect.

4. Why do you ask so many questions when I call 9-1-1?

The 9-1-1 call taker needs to ask questions to determine what is happening and where it is happening. While the questions may seem unnecessary, the information helps them get the right responders to your location as quickly as possible. Answering these questions is not slowing down the response to your emergency. On all emergency situations another Telecommunicator is dispatching the emergency responders while the 9-1-1 call taker continues to gather your information.

5. Does the 9-1-1 call taker know my location?

Always assume the 9-1-1 call talker does not know your location. Even if your cell phone is able to provide location information, you will need to provide the 9-1-1 call taker with additional location information. Remember, the approximate location the 9-1-1 center receives could be as large as 3 football fields or more. Be prepared to give specific directions to your location if possible.

6. When I'm standing inside York County and using a cell phone to dial 9-1-1, why can my call go to another county?

Cell phones "look" to the closest available cell phone tower to process any phone call. If that tower is busy, without you knowing it is doing so, your call will bounce to the next available tower which may be in another county. If that's the case, the call will go to the local 9-1-1 center in that county and that center must then transfer your call to the York County 9-1-1 center. With transferring the call from one county to another county technology limitations will not allow certain information to be displayed to the final answering point, so always be prepared to give detailed location and contact information to the call taker.

7. I’ve locked myself out of my vehicle / residence. Can you assist me?

Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and Rescue Squads within York County refrain from doing this due to liability reasons. However if there is a child or animal locked in the vehicle, this could be a life threatening situation. So, If there is a child or a pet locked in the vehicle, please call 9-1-1 so we can get assistance to you immediately.

8. I’ve accidently set off my alarm. What should I do?

You should contact your alarm monitoring service and advise them of the situation and they will notify us to cancel. You will need your proper pass-code when you contact your alarm company to cancel.

9. Is there someone that can visit my classroom to talk about 9-1-1?

Yes, our Public Education Coordinator will be glad to visit your classroom or you may tour our facility if you like.