Communications is responsible for receiving emergency and routine telephone calls from the general public. There are 12 dispatchers and one warrants clerk in the division. The Division is operated on a 24-hour basis. Emergency 911 traffic is centered in the Department Communications Section. This department is under command of the CID Commander. Areas of responsibility include:

Dispatch of police, fire and emergency medical units.

Dispatch of Virginia State Police Med-Flight II Helicopter.

Access information provided through VCIN/NCIC for use of officers and administrative personnel.

Provide emergency medical advice for those in need while emergency medical personnel are en route to E-911 calls.

Answer all calls to the police non-emergency phone number and reroute calls to appropriate personnel, departments or agencies.

Provide information to responding units about nature of calls, address, victim's and if offender is present.

Gather information on road conditions.

Provide information to other city departments concerning problems such as water main breaks, street lights out, trees down, damaged pavement, etc.

Data entry using the in-house computer systems as well as the State and Federal Systems.

Provide general information to the public about the department, community and region.