DIAL 9-1-1

By now hopefully everyone is aware of what 9-1-1 is and how to use it. But in case you're not familiar with the system here is a brief overview and some interesting facts about the 9-1-1 system in Maywood and Bergen County.

9-1-1 is the universal emergency telephone number that you can dial 24 hours a day for police, fire, or medical emergencies. 9-1-1 should be dialed immediately when life or property is in imminent danger. It is a free call and can be dialed from any home, coin, or cellular phone.

How do I use 9-1-1?

Remain calm, speak clearly, and provide the 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the following information:

Where the problem is?

Exactly what the problem is and the telephone number you are calling from.

Remember that 9-1-1 is only a telephone number. A quick response depends upon the accuracy of vital information you provide and how well your location is addressed and marked.

  Maywood 9-1-1 Facts   

    In Maywood we have received since its inception in January of 1995, more than 12,341  9-1-1 calls. This includes all emergency calls and abandoned calls. Maywood is a stand-alone public safety answering point (PSAP). What this means is that under normal circumstances when you dial 9-1-1 from your home or business in Maywood, the call will be answered by a trained telecommunicator here in Maywood. Last year, 2000,  we processed 1700 calls with the average answer time being 4.7 seconds! The State of New Jersey mandates that 90% of the calls be answered in less than ten seconds.

     In Bergen County there are 72 municipalities, consisting of 12 regional PSAP's, and 15 stand- alone PSAP's.  Bergen County has the most complex 9-1-1 system in the state.  When you dial 9-1-1 your telephone subscriber's information, name, address, type building, and phone service is displayed on the computer terminal answering the call.  Along with this information the terminal is capable of handling calls from the hearing impaired community utilizing the telecommunications device for the deaf.

AT&T Language Line

The Maywood Police Department has entered into an interpreter service agreement with the AT&T Language Line Services.   This service provides this agency with quick easy access to over-the-phone interpretation of 140 languages.  The Language Line Services will be utilized for emergency 9-1-1 calls, as well as our administrative telephone lines. This service ensures the same level of service to non-English speaking residents as English speaking.  The language line is another commitment your Police Department has in providing professional and efficient police service to all of the residents of this community.

Pre-Arrival instructions.

Telecommunicator's are trained and certified in providing emergency Pre-Arrival instructions.

 

Benefits of 9-1-1

The most significant benefit is the reduction in response time for obtaining assistance from emergency service agencies. Several other benefits are listed below.

Only one number to remember

An easy number to remember, for all ages.

Special Benefits to travelers and new residents

Calls received by trained Telecommunicators with Standardized training

Pay phone emergency calls

The benefits of 9-1-1 are many, but to the residents of Maywood, it ensures that in your time of need a rapid response will be provided by your police department, and that your call will be handled by a telecommunicator who is trained and state certified in handling emergency calls.

Remember: This number is for EMERGENCIES only!

PLEASE DO NOT USE FOR NON-EMERGENCY CALLS !!

• noise complaints

• barking dogs

• directions

• permission for parking

If you need an immediate response for police, fire, and medical emergencies, Dial 9-1-1, for any other police business dial 845-8800.

History of 9-1-1

Evolution of Emergency Telephone Number System

During the period from 1937 to 1959 a number of countries began various ETNS:

Movement started in this country in 1957, by Members of National Association of Fire Chiefs advocated a single nationwide number for reporting fires.

The American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) announced in 1968, that 9-1-1 would be made available for emergency telephone services in its serving areas and other companies soon followed suit..

In March of 1973, President Nixon issued a national policy statement which recognized the benefits of 9-1-1, and encouraged its quick adoption, and provided for the establishment of a Federal Information Center on 9-1-1.

The Federal Emergency Medical Service Act of 1973 contained a provision that required 9-1-1 or definitive plans for the implementation prior to release of grant funds for improvement of emergency medical services.

Many other agencies and associations followed in the pursuit of 9-1-1.

9-1-1 in New Jersey

Atlantic City was the first municipality to use a 9-1-1 telephone system.

1976 New Jersey Legislative, County and Municipal Study Commission recommended that municipalities throughout the state use a universal emergency number.

In February of 1977 first county wide 9-1-1 System, Hunterdon County Communications Center.

In 1977 the Attorney General appointed the Statewide Police Emergency Network (SPEN) Task Force to assess all New Jersey's Police Telecommunications. Task Force findings and recommendations,

"It is the policy of the State of New Jersey, in accordance with national policy to encourage the implementation of 9-1-1 throughout the state.

The first 9-1-1 system with ENHANCED features was installed in May of 1985 in Gloucester County Communications.

Governor Kean created the Emergency Response Study Commission in January 1986,

On January 18, 1989, public law was enacted requiring the implementation of a statewide 9-1-1 (enhanced ) emergency telephone system within three years from the date of enactment (1992).

Bergen County, went on line with Enhanced 9-1-1 on January 12, 1995.

72 municipalities

12 Regional PSAP's

15 Stand Alone PSAP's

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