If you call 911 from Stanley, Sully, Hyde, Hughes or Jones counties, the person who answers will most likely be working from an office in Pierre.
Central South Dakota Communications Center manager Cindy Gross says they fielded over 53,000 phone calls last year (2022).
When including calls that come through the state radio system, Gross says they average just over 61,000 calls per year. She says dispatchers also respond to text messages sent to 911.
Gross says one new feature being added involves texting images and video.
Gross says modern technology helps dispatchers communicate the most accurate information possible to emergency responders.
The Central South Dakota Communications Center also handles calls for state and federal agencies such as the Highway Patrol, the Division of Criminal Investigation, Game Fish and Parks, the Department of Transportation, the FBI and the US Marshal Service.
This is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (April 9-15, 2023).
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