Communications Unit

9-1-1 (Emergencies)
(559) 734-8116 (Non-Emergencies)
(559) 713-4957 (Animal Control) 

The Visalia Police Department's Communications Unit proudly serves the City of Visalia with the highest degree of professionalism.  The Communications Unit is responsible for the receipt, disposition, and the documentation of telephonic and radio calls in both routine & emergency matters for the Police/Fire Departments.  The Unit is also responsible for handling all “9-1-1” calls generated by phone and text within the city limits. 

The Communications Unit is currently staffed with one Communications Supervisor, 27 full-time Communications Operators who answer & process seven emergency (911) lines, 15 non-emergency lines, & several radio frequencies.  The Communications Center is open 24-hours each day, 365 days each year.  

Communications Operators are responsible for accurately identifying the nature of your call.  Communications Operators are the critical link between a citizen & police officer, as they are responsible for screening calls & transferring information to the police officer and/or other emergency personnel. Each incoming call is unique & can vary from a request for general information to a report of a life threatening incident.  As a result, the Communications Operator will ask specific questions to accurately prioritize the call to assign it accordingly. 

Officer & citizen safety is a Communications Operator’s most important focus.

When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for emergencies, potential emergencies, or when an emergency is imminent.  If you are unsure if your call constitutes an emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the level of urgency?
• Is there a danger to life or property?
• Am I or someone else the victim of a crime?
• Do I or someone else have a police, medical, and/or fire emergency?

What if I need assistance, but it is not an emergency?

• Dial (559) 734-8116

• For additional information, contact:  

  Darlene Friend, Communications Supervisor
  (559) 713-4568 (office)
  (559) 713-4809 (fax)
  [email protected]