[Press Release] : More than one way to reach 911

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information Officer or Zim Schwartze,
Interim PSJC Director - (573) 874-7400

More than one way to reach 911 

COLUMBIA, MO (July 27, 2009) - When calling Columbia/Boone County 911,
make sure it is an emergency situation. A non-emergency call can inhibit
an operator’s ability to help another caller who may need emergency
assistance. The Department of Public Safety Joint Communications (PSJC)
reminds residents that there are other numbers to contact in
non-emergency circumstances.

“We certainly don’t want to discourage residents from calling 911
in an urgent situation,” says Interim Director Zim Schwartze.
“However, we do want the public to utilize other numbers which are
available to them. Calling those numbers can help our operators focus
their efforts on helping callers who are in immediate need of fire,
police or emergency medical personnel. If you experience problems not
related to an immediate need for these emergency services, call the
appropriate telephone number for those services.”

In addition to urgent calls handled by dispatchers with the
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Safety Joint Communications,
calls have also been fielded to report power outages, lost wallets or
inquiries concerning certain police officers. In these non-emergency
situations, there are other phone numbers that can be utilized by
calling the appropriate department to handle the situation and provide
assistance. 

Non-emergency calls for the Columbia Police Department should be placed
to the front desk at 573-874-7652. The Boone County Sheriff’s
Department number is 573-875-1111. This includes citizens wishing to
speak to a particular officer or deputy, inquiries about a police
report, wanting information of someone in custody or under arrest,
inquiries about towed vehicles, crime stats for a specific part of the
city and inquiries if someone has warrants for their arrest. Though you
will get an automated voice system, please listen to the menu options so
you can go directly to the area of the departments that can help you the
best.

Citizens inquiring about flooded roads, traffic lights that are out,
and street signs missing or knocked over (unless it is a STOP sign or
other sign that is causing a potential danger and hazard for citizens
because it is missing) should contact the Public Works Department at
573-874-6289. Citizens wanting to report electrical outages, water
outages and streetlights being out should contact the Water & Light
Department at 573-875-2555.

DO NOT CALL 911 for Non-Emergencies Such As:
Minor illness or injury not requiring immediate help, such as: 
Flu/common cold 
Chronic aches and pain 
Minor cuts 
Broken fingers or toes 
To report lost items
To contact particular police officers
To report a power outage
Routine transportation to medical offices, clinics and hospitals 

Numbers to Call in Non-Emergency Situations:
Non-Emergency PSJC Number: 573-442-6131
Columbia Police Department: 573-874-7652 
Boone County Sheriff’s Department: 573-875-1111
Columbia Public Works Department: 573-874-6289
Columbia Water and Light Department: 573-875-2555
Boone Electric: 573-441-7227
Ameren/UE: 1-800-552-7583

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Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

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