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1. What Is the Emergency 9-1-1 Center?

The Fort Myers Police Department Emergency 9-1-1 Center is the primary public safety answering point (PSAP) within the geographic boundaries of the City of Fort Myers.

The FMPD PSAP is an enhanced 9-1-1 system that detects the location and identity of callers providing first responders with the ability to provide emergency services quickly and efficiently.  The system also helps callers who are unable to communicate their location.

The FMPD PSAP is TTY capable for hearing-impaired callers and interpreters are available to accommodate non-English speakers.

2. Who receives my call?

The FMPD PSAP receives all 9-1-1 calls made from landlines.  For 9-1-1 calls made from cell phones, most will come into the FMPD emergency call center, others will be forwarded to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, or Lee County EMS as appropriate.  

The processing of cellular calls in this manner in no way delays 9-1-1 response.

3. When should I call 9-1-1?

Call 9-1-1 to report police, medical, or fire emergencies, or in situations requiring a timely response by police.  

For non-emergency inquiries, please contact us by calling 239-321-7700 option 1.  

4. How does 9-1-1 work?

Trained call-takers are the first to receive 9-1-1 calls.  A call-taker speaks with callers to verify their identity, the location of the emergency, and the nature of the emergency.  The call-taker may continue to ask questions in order to clarify information that could assist in the response; this does not delay the response time.

The call-taker actively enters the information into a computer-aided dispatch system (CAD).  Based on the nature of the emergency, the call-taker will determine whether to assign the call to FMPD, FMFD, or EMS, and routes the information to the appropriate dispatcher.

The FMPD has four designated geographic areas, which have a 24/7 dispatcher on a radio channel.  The dispatcher manages the assignment of on-duty response units with the queue of calls that come.  In some cases, a dispatcher may contact the 9-1-1 caller to obtain additional information for the units.

5. How can I call 9-1-1 anonymously?

Although FMPD procedures protect the confidentiality of 9-1-1 callers, some individuals may want to place their calls anonymously so that the enhanced 911 system provides neither their identity nor location.  In these cases, callers should contact the FMPD PSAP directly and confidentially at (239-321-7700) OPTION 1.

Please note that using this number will not provide the full capabilities of the enhanced 9-1-1 system.