911 Communications Center
Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office
The Winnebago County 911 Communications Center is located on the second floor of the Sheriff's Office and serves as the central hub for all emergency communications in the county.
This division is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with three shifts daily. Each shift typically includes five to six highly trained Telecommunicators.
Telecommunicators handle:
- All 911 emergency calls across Winnebago County
- All after-hours non-emergency calls for the entire county
When Should I Call 911?
Call 911 when there is an emergency involving an immediate threat to life or property, such as:
- A crime in progress
- Any type of fire
- A serious illness or injury
What to Expect When You Call 911
When calling 911, remain calm, listen to the dispatcher, and provide clear answers to questions.
Do not hang up unless told to or you are in immediate danger.
Common Questions You Will Be Asked
- Where?
Where is the emergency?
(The location of the fire, incident, person in need, or suspect.) - What?
What type of emergency is it?
(Fire, medical issue, crime, etc.) - Who?
Who is involved?
(Who needs help? Who is inside or near the scene?) - When?
When did it happen?
(Is it occurring now or did it happen earlier?) - Callback Number?
What number can we use to reach you if disconnected?
(Tip: Cell phone users should know their number or place a label on their device.)
After You Call
As soon as the dispatcher gathers enough information, emergency personnel will be sent immediately.
If it’s safe to do so, stay on the phone. You are the eyes and ears for first responders, and your input ensures a more effective and safer response.
