The Fort Myers Police Department Communications Division - Emergency 9-1-1 Center is one of four serving our area and 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.
When Should I Call 9-1-1?
Someone is hurt and needs help
Someone is hurting someone else
There is smoke or fire
Someone is taking something which is not theirs
There is suspicious activity: "If you see something...say somthing"
For non-emergency inquiries, please contact FMPD by dialing (239) 321-7700.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN 911 IS CALLED?
The City's phone system captures the phone number, carrier and estimated location/address the call is coming from.
The 911 Telecommunicator answers "911 what is your emergency: Police, Fire, or EMS?" and stays on the line until the requested department answers.
The telecommunicator asks questions, including verification of the locations and phone number, to determine needs and prioritization of the call, and then sends the appropriate emergency service.
Callers requesting service from any agency outside of the City of Fort Myers are transferred directly by the Telecommunicator.
Cell phones that are not "active" or have no service plan can dial 9-1-1, however if the call is disconnected they can't be called back to verify the location or to check if an emergency exists.
Reporting Emergencies to Police
Callers should remain calm and give information slowly. All calls, emergency or not, are answered by the same operators. Callers are asked to report:
Name, address and phone number
Type of incident
Whether the crime is in progress or has already happened and the time it happened, if known.
Details which may include: type of weapon, descriptions of suspects, license plate number, direction of travel or other details.
Callers are asked to remain on the telephone to assist the Telecommunicator as much as possible, a response will not be delayed by answering questions. The more information given to the police, the better the emergency can be served. Safety is key and the caller and his/her family should stay out of harms way. After the incident is reported, it is a good idea for the caller to write down everything that happened, as they may be contacted for additional information.
How Can I Call 9-1-1 Anonymously?
Although FMPD procedures and state law 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 directly and confidentially at (239) 321-7700. Please note that using this number will not provide the full capabilities of the enhanced 9-1-1 system.