The Department of Emergency Communications serves as the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) answering and distribution point for all 911 emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance in Frederick County. The Communications Center provides both Basic 911 and Enhanced 911 (E911) which provides more specific location information on the whereabouts of a wireless caller by using latitude and longitude. Within the past year we began TEXT to 911.  This allows the public to TEXT an emergency to 911.  We are working on NEXTGEN 911 (NG911) which will allow pictures and video to be sent to 911 along with texting.

Responsibilities

The Department is responsible for the dispatch of fire, rescue, and ambulance services, Frederick County Animal Control, and law enforcement including the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Brunswick City Police, and the Thurmont Police Department.

Numerous non-emergency phone lines are monitored, and the center coordinates all after-hour communications for county agencies.