Dispatch

The Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Freeborn County is staffed 24 hours a day/365 days a year by a total of 10 Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST), one of which also fulfills the roll of Supervisor.

 As Public Safety Telecommunicators, they perform multiple duties that include receiving, screening, prioritizing and processing all emergency and non-emergency calls that include services for Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Albert Lea Police Department, Albert Lea Fire Department, 14 County Fire Departments, 2 Ambulance Services, Medical Helicopter, Minnesota State Patrol and other related state, county and city agencies and services.

*When to call 9-1-1:

          Crimes in progress, difficulty breathing/chest pains, fires, serious injuries, heart attack/stroke, injury car accidents, downed powerlines. *If you call 911 by mistake, stay on the line and advise the telecommunicator that it was an accident*

*When not to call 9-1-1:

          Pranks, non-injury car accidents, minor/past crimes, Non-life threatening medicals, request for information, power outages

          *Non-emergency phone number: (507) 377-5205 ext. 5

*5 Tips for Calling 9-1-1:

          1. Keep calm. Take a deep breath, speak calmly and clearly as possible

          2. Know your location. Provide an address or landmark

          3. Answer all questions and follow directions. Initial questions: Where, What, When, Who, Weapons

          4. Be patient. They are sending help as they obtain the information

          5. Stay on the line until instructed to hang up