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911 Communications
The communications center is the public service answering point of all 911 calls in Boone County and dispatches all law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel to these calls.
The dispatchers also enter information into the Iowa Online Warrants and Articles (IOWA) system and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) concerning all arrest warrants, stolen articles including vehicles, guns, domestic abuse protection orders and missing persons. The dispatchers also monitor courthouse and jail security cameras, as well as traffic cameras. The communication center utilizes computer-aided dispatch (CAD) technology to gather, dispatch and document all activities.
Dispatch is a specialized field that requires mandatory training. The criteria for obtaining and maintaining a dispatch position is as follows:
- Basic Iowa System Training (BIST) – (On-time school – 4 days)
- Iowa Telecommunicator Training Academy – (One-time school – 40 hours at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy)
Maintaining a certified dispatch position requires the following continuing education:
- 8 hours of dispatch training (every year)
- IOWA system certification (every 2 years)
- Emergency Medical Dispatching certification (every 2 years)
Contact Information
- Emergencies: always dial 911 from your mobile phone or landline.
- Miscellaneous Calls: for public safety requests, dial 515-433-0527.
- General Inquiries: contact the Communications Administrator.
