What Happens When You Call 9-1-1?

In the City of San Diego where your 9-1-1 call goes depends upon where you place the phone call:

Standard Phone

• If you call from a home or business phone in the City of San Diego, your 9-1-1 call first goes to the San Diego Police Department. The Police Department call taker will ask you the type of emergency (i.e. Police, Fire or Medical Emergency).
• If your emergency involves a fire or medical problem, your call will be immediately transferred to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Communications Center.
• If your emergency involves a problem in the waters of our beaches and bays, the police department call taker will forward your 9-1-1 call to the Lifeguard's Communications Center.

When you call 9-1-1 from a home or residence, your number and address may be displayed on a computer screen for the emergency call taker. This information helps City emergency crews respond more efficiently to your problem.

Cellular Phone

• If you call from a cell phone, your 9-1-1 call is directed to the 9-1-1 dispatch center for the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Again, the call taker will ask you the nature of your emergency and will forward your call to the appropriate agency.

Be aware, when you call on your cell phone, the CHP can not detect your location as with a residential or business 9-1-1 call. It's important to know your location when calling on a cell phone.