Who are we? What do we do?

The Kings County Sheriff's Office Communications Division's main purpose is to coordinate emergency services for the citizens of Kings County.  The Communications Division consists of one Sheriff's Commander, One Training Officer, five Senior Dispatchers and ten Emergency Dispatchers.  The Communications Division dispatches for the County of Kings, the City of Avenal, Kings County Fire, Kings County Animal Services, Kings County Probation, Special Teams, District Attorney Investigators and Parole (when needed).

When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is the universal 3 digit telephone number adopted nationwide to summon assistance to any emergency situation: Fire, Medical Emergencies, Crimes in Progress.

Can 9-1-1 be called from a pay phone?

Yes, no coin is needed to call 9-1-1.

Can false calls be traced?

Yes, it is against the law to make a false report. The line can be "locked onto" and traced.

Why not just dial "O" for the Operator?

Telephone operators are not specifically trained to quickly recognize jurisdictional boundaries, such as fire districts. The telephone company is more automated with fewer operators.

Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?

If the questions seem excessive, please remember help is already on the way.  The dispatcher is trying to obtain answers to questions that the responding units might have or need.  The dispatcher is concerned with officer and citizen safety at all times.  The dispatchers must be the eyes and ears of the responding units.  Listen to what is being asked and respond to the questions as quickly as possible.

 

How can we help in reporting emergencies?

• Who: Who is involved? Do you know their names? Can you describe them?
• When: How long ago did it happen? Is it still going on?
• What: What is the problem?
• Where: Know the address or location where the emergency is, and if possible, the cross streets.

Depending on the nature of the incident, the dispatcher will ask you additional information such as:

• Traffic Accident: Are there any injuries? Is the road blocked? How many vehicles are involved?
• Fires: Do you see flames? If you cannot see flames, what color is the smoke? Is anyone inside the building? Is there anything close enough to catch fire, such as another building, shed, fence, or pole?
• Fight: How many are involved? Is anyone hurt? Are there any weapons? What kind of weapons?Does anyone need an ambulance? Can you describe the people involved, especially the ones who have weapon

While it seems like we are asking a lot of unnecessary questions, all of this information is critical for us to get you help in the fastest way possible. While the dispatcher is taking information from you, others are also doing several other things such as dispatching the officer or making sure he is on his or her way, relaying information to the officer, confirming information you have given, and collecting additional answers from you for questions the officer has.  Your cooperation with the dispatcher will ensure the quickest and safest possible response for everyone concerned.

Contact Information

Law Enforcement

Kings County Sheriff Dispatch for Law and Fire (559) 852-2720  Avenal Police Department Dispatch  (559) 386-5361

Fire Protection

Kings County Fire Dispatch (559) 582-3211ext.2720 Kings County Fire Office (559) 582-3211ext.2881 Hanford Fire Department (559) 582-8333 Lemoore Fire Dispatch (559) 924-5333 Lemoore Fire Office (Mon.-Fri. 8:00 to 12:00) (559) 924-6797

Allied Agencies

California Highway Patrol (559) 441-5400 Avenal Police Dept.  (559) 386-4444  Lemoore Police Dept. (559) 924-5333 Hanford Police Dept. (559) 585-2540 Corcoran Police Dept. (559) 992-5151

Other County Agencies

Kings County Probation (559) 852-2850 Child Protection Services (559) 582-8776