Sheriff's Office Updates & Alerts - Stearns County, Minnesota
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Advisory: Calling 911 on Cell Phones

The MN Department of Public Safety recently issued an advisory for all residents and visitors calling 911 on a cell phone. 

Cell phones are creating challenges for 911 operators as they wait for phone carriers to provide better location information. When a 911 call is placed using a traditional land line the 911 operator can instantly see the address connected to that phone, including the floor, apartment or suite number in a multi-unit building. That is not the case with cell phones. 

If you call 911 on a cell phone:

• Immediately provide the 911 operator with precise location information.
• If you're unable to speak stay on the line - the 911 operators can use various tools to try and better determine your location.

Want to learn more? Check out the Sheriff's Office tips for calling 911 and the MN DPS video about wireless phone limitations.

sheriff@co.stearns.mn.us     |     Dispatch 320.251.4240     |     Records/Info 320.259.3700