Thanks to a question from James, we wanted to share this information with everyone!

Here's how a call to dispatch works: 

When any call (911 or non-emergency) comes in, dispatchers use a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to immediately assign the nearest available first responder. With just a few keystrokes, help is already on the way, within seconds.

Questions Don't Delay Help.

While responders are en route, dispatchers continue asking the caller important follow-up questions. These don’t slow anything down, they’re gathering critical intel to keep everyone safe and informed. The initial response is already in motion.

Why Listening to the Scanner Might Sound...Off:

If you’re listening to a scanner and hear something that sounds odd or awkward, that’s because dispatchers often relay exact words from the caller. No filters, no edits, just raw info sent straight to officers so they can act fast and appropriately.

Silent Streams of Info:

Most of the detailed updates aren’t spoken over the radio—they’re sent directly to first responders through their in-vehicle computers and phones. It’s a constant flow of real-time data that keeps everyone in sync.

So next time you hear a scanner call that sounds a little strange, or a dispatcher asks you questions about an age, location, medical history, remember: it’s all part of a system designed for helping in the speediest and most efficient way.