Lamar County Sheriff's Office E-911 Communications 770-358-5159
Operator Kathy Scheu
The three-digit telephone number "9-1-1" has been designated as the "Universal Emergency Number," for citizens throughout the United States to request emergency assistance. It is intended as a nationwide telephone number and gives the public fast and easy access to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
The Lamar County 911 center receives and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for police, sheriff, fire and emergency medical service. The center is staffed by state-certified Communications Officers who are trained to answer and process 911 and other emergency telephone calls and dispatch public safety responders using state-of-the-art communications equipment. These Communications Officers are also trained to communicate with communication impaired callers using TDD technology and people with language barriers of all types.
Dawn Fulcher, 911 Supervisor
Obtaining Criminal History Record Information FAQ's
How can I obtain a copy of my Georgia criminal history record? Georgia criminal history records can be obtained from the Lamar County Sheriff's Office Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. for a fee of $15.00. The Lamar County Sheriff's Office accepts only cash, money order or cashier's check for these services. Individuals must appear personally at the Sheriff's Office, present photo identification and complete and sign a consent form. What information is contained in a Georgia criminal history record? The criminal history record includes the subject’s identification data, arrest data (including arresting agency, date of arrest, and charges), final judicial disposition data submitted by a court, prosecutor or other criminal justice agency; and custody information if the offender was incarcerated in a Georgia correctional facility.
What types of incidents should be reported to 911?
Any incident that threatens health, life, or property should be reported to 911. Crimes that are in progress, threatened or have already occurred as well as fires or medical problems requiring emergency assistance are some examples.
What types of things should not be reported to 911?
We encourage citizens to find alternative solutions to problems such as a cat in the tree, keys locked in a car, or power outages. The 911 center dispatches public safety personnel to emergency situations. In most cases, those personnel can not assist with the problems mentioned above.
The 911 center is also not prepared to give directions, weather reports or answer questions about school closings. Remember, 911 is for emergencies. If the lines are tied up with non-emergency calls, you may not be able to get help as quickly as you need it in your own emergency.
What if I'm not sure whether my situation is an emergency or not?
We realize that most citizens do not have public safety training. Any time you think you need emergency assistance, or if you’re not sure, call us. We are trained to determine the severity of situations and send appropriate help
What if something happens to me and I can't speak? How can 911 help me?
When you dial 911 from a traditional telephone, one that is wired into a house or other building, the location from which you are calling is displayed on a computer screen in front of the 911 operator. If you can not speak, either because of a communications impairment, illness, or crime in progress, a deputy or police officer is sent to the location to check for any trouble.
If you are ill or are being kept from talking by an intruder, leave the telephone off the hook. Any noise that we can hear will help us determine the most appropriate response. Often, in cases of domestic violence, the victim leaves the telephone off the hook and the call-taker was able to determine the nature of the situation more quickly and send the most appropriate law enforcement response.
I have a hearing impairment and can not communicate over a regular telephone line. What should I do if I need help in an emergency?
Every 911 Operator at Lamar County has been trained on the proper use of a TDD/TTY. There is never any need to dial a separate number for TTD/TTY calls or to place these calls through a relay service. If you need help, just dial 911. Your call will be placed on the TDD/TTY and handled just like a call from someone without a communications impairment.
Can I call 911 from my cellular or PCS phone?
Yes, although wireless calls present special problems for 911 centers and callers. Calls from wireless (cellular and PCS) calls are sent to the 911 center closest to the cell site that your call is routed through. For example, you may be in Lamar County, place a 911 call on your cell phone and get Spalding County instead because the cell tower handling your call is actually in Spalding County. Be aware of this possibility when placing cellular 911 calls. Your call may take a few extra minutes because of the mis-route.
Another thing to remember about wireless 911 calls is that your location is not automatically displayed like it is on traditional phones. Cellular technology does not yet allow for your location to be pinpointed by the 911 system. If you are not familiar with your exact location, it is crucial that you give as much information about your surroundings as possible.
The rule of thumb is that if you have access to a traditional telephone in an emergency, use it. Although wireless telephone providers, the FCC, and 9-1-1 organizations are working together we are still a few years away from making cellular 911 as effective as traditional 911 service.
Why am I charged a 911 subscriber fee on my telephone bill?
911 subscriber fees support the entire operation of your 911 system, from salaries to training and equipment. Without the 911 subscriber fee, we could not continue to provide 911 service.
How do I become a 911 dispatcher?
You must be prepared for this exciting, challenging, and stress-filled career. The minimum qualifications are the ability to pass a criminal background check, physical examination and drug screening. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, an ability to type on a computer keyboard, an ability to hear within the required range, and the ability to speak the English language clearly. All employees are required to be available to work any shift, weekends and holidays.
What kind of training do 911 operators receive?
911 operators must receive a state mandated minimum of forty hours of training to become certified communications officers.
Employees receive on the job training in call receiving; computer aided dispatching; crime information computers; and general law enforcement information. Operators learn hands-on application of skills and knowledge gained in the classroom under the close supervision of an experienced Communications Training Officer.
Basic Communications Officer training, provided by the state, consists of instruction on Communications Officer ethics and responsibilities; liability; crisis intervention; communications impaired callers; call-taking, law enforcement, fire, and medical dispatching; radio operations, and emergency manageme
Larry Waller, Sheriff Lamar County Sheriff's Office 121 Roberta Drive, Barnesville, GA 30204 770/358-5159
