Woman and Man on Phone

9-1-1 is for EMERGENCY situations.

Tarrant County Sheriff's Communications Section provides a link between the citizens and emergency assistance units. The 9-1-1 system is one of the most state-of-the-art phone systems.

The NON-EMERGENCY phone number is 817-884-1213.

For all JAIL information call 817-884-3000.

When should you call 9-1-1?

  • Life Threatening Situations
  • Fires
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents of major traffic and street obstructions
  • Injuries requiring emergency medical attention
  • Hazardous chemical spills
  • Smoke detectors or Carbon Monoxide detectors sounding
  • Sparking electrical hazards
  • Smoke in a building
  • Any other EMERGENCY

When should you NOT call 9-1-1?

  • Finding a towed vehicle
  • Asking directions
  • Reporting Blocked driveways
  • Questions about traffic tickets
  • All other NON-EMERGENCY situations

9-1-1 For Kids

Child holding phone

Emergencies present a scary situation for children. At times they may not know what to do. Below you find some tips on how to teach you child how to use 9-1-1 system.

What is 9-1-1?

Some children have heard about 9-1-1 from school, television or friends, but may not understand what it is used for. Children may not be sure what a real emergency is. Remind children to dial 9-1-1 when the need help to save a life, stop a crime or report a fire. Inform your child that if they are ever lost and feel that they are not safe, to pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1 and they well be helped.

What can we do as Parents?


The most important thing you can do is talk with your child about 9-1-1 and when they should call. Tell your child that if they ever call 9-1-1 there will be person on the other end who is going to help them.

What about babysitters?

When there are no adults at home every child or baby-sitter should have the following information by the phone:

  • A list of emergency phone numbers
  • Your home phone number and the address
  • Any contact information (page, cell phone and or neighbors numbers)

The best time to prepare for an emergency is NOW!!! Don't wait until one happens!

9-1-1 Hang Up Information

All calls that come into the Communications Center are taken seriously.

Phone off the hook

DO NOT HANG-UP!

If you dial 9-1-1 by accident do not hang up, stay on the line and tell the Communications Officer that it was an accident.

When a person dials 9-1-1 and hangs up either before the line is answered or before the Communications Officer is able to determine the nature of the call, a call back will be attempted.

Each time a person dials 9-1-1, information is displayed on an Automatic Location Identifier screen. The information displayed is the name, address and phone number of the telephone subscriber. This information is displayed on all calls to 9-1-1, even if the person has caller ID blocking.

If the Communications Officer is unable to make contact with a person on the phone or feels that there is a problem, a peace officer will be dispatched to investigate the hang up call.