The Sewanee Police Dispatch center is opened 24/7 and staffed by police dispatchers. Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported directly by any student, faculty or staff member. For speed in accessing the Police Department, a Communication Center is in place on the campus and an E-911 county system will provide contact with the police dispatcher 24-hours-a-day for an emergency. In non-emergency situations dial 931.598.1111 or Ext. 1111.

The Communication Division is responsible for a variety of emergency and non-emergency calls for service, as well as dispatching calls for service with Fire and EMS units.

Some of the responsibilities for communications officers include:

  • Receiving incoming calls for service
  • Prioritize request for service based on need
  • Maintain communications with our officers and coordinate with Franklin County Sheriff Office or other local Police Departments, Fire, and Ambulance when needed.
  • Operate Criminal Justice Computer Systems databases.
  • File, record and maintain Criminal Justice entries in a number of databases
  • Operate CAD (Computerized Aided Dispatch) as well as hand written daily logs
  • Monitor various alarm systems and other monitoring systems maintained by the police department.

When someone calls for a service the Communications Officer will require the caller to give their name, his/her call back number, location, nature of the call and other potential officer safety information. If the request for service is of a non-emergency nature it will be handled in the order it was received and as man power allows.

As you can readily see, the Communications Officer does more than just answer the telephone. Their ability to maintain a calm and professional manner during periods of high stress is paramount to the successful discharge of their duties and the safety of the Police Officers in the field. Please remain as calm as possible during an emergency situation and give as complete and accurate information to the communications officer as possible so that the appropriate help may be sent to you immediately and without confusion and/or delay.