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1. What if the caller speaks a foreign language?

When it is determined that a 911 caller is speaking a foreign language, the 911 Telecommunicator will immediately switch the conversation over to the AT&T Language Line. This is a state-of-the-art service able to translate over 128 foreign languages, all of which is done at a minimal amount of time. The caller telecommunicates as translator stay on the line to determine the problem.

2. What if the caller is speech or hearing impaired?

The 911 Telecommunicators are specially trained to detect data signals unique to (TDD/TTY) telecommunications devices for the speech and hearing-impaired caller. These calls are connected to a TDD/TTY machine, which allows direct communications with the caller.

3. What if I'm calling from a cellular telephone?

It may be necessary for the 911 Telecommunicator to ask some additional questions when you are calling from a cellular telephone. The information displayed from your home phone is not available from your cellular telephone; therefore it is necessary for the dispatcher to get your exact location. Sometimes, a cellular call may be answered by another county or by another state, depending upon your exact location. We have received calls from Philadelphia and Delaware in the past.

4. What if my call is not an emergency?

Non-emergency calls for Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Assistance can be made using the following:

• Call 856-589-0911
• Call 856-853-0911

You should use the number that is a local call for your area.  Non-emergency calls for Police should be made using normal numbers. Visit our Resource Directory to find non-emergency police numbers.

5. Will they keep me on the phone and ask other questions?

Yes! The 911 Telecommunicator will take the information from you as to what the problem is, where the problem is and they will also advise you as to what action, if any, you can take until Fire, Medical or Police assistance arrives. During this time period, another dispatcher in the dispatch room will be relaying this information to the responding units. The dispatcher will either keep you on the phone to stay updated or they will advise you to hang up and meet the responding units.

If your call is a Police emergency, it will be transferred to the Police dispatcher for your municipality or area. During the call or transfer, you may hear a partial dial tone and ringing. Don’t Be Alarmed! The Telecommunicator will stay on the line until your call is answered or concluded. You are never out of touch with the Telecommunicator.

Example

• Suspect or vehicle information for crimes in progress
• Age of patient and if they’re conscious and breathing
• What is on fire and are there any other dangers?

Always stay on the line and wait for instructions.

Never think that the exchange of information is delaying the actual dispatch of emergency services. Gloucester County’s 911 Communications utilizes a state-of-the-art network of computers, telephones and radios to communicate dispatch information to the responding units.