Enhanced 911 is technology that provides Automatic Number Identification (ANI), or Caller ID, and Automatic Location Identification (ALI) to the Communications Center. For wire line phones the ALI is the address where the phone is located, and for wireless calls the ALI is a latitude and longitude within 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) of the actual phone location. The actual distance is dependent upon current wireless tower technology and locations as well as the type of phone the caller is using. For more information on Enhanced 9-1-1 please visit www.nena.org.

NG9-1-1 is the future of 9-1-1. NG911 will provide all of the technology provided by Enhanced 9-1-1 plus have the ability to accept Text to 9-1-1, video and audio from wireless phones and cameras that are connected to a public safety network as well as other features provided by connecting to a secure public safety network. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data is the key for location of callers in a NG911 system. Nez Perce County and the City of Lewiston are currently in the process of upgrading GIS data in order to migrate to a geospatial location protocol within our NG911 system. While Nez Perce County and the City of Lewiston do not yet have a fully functional NG911 system, we have built a local secure public safety network and have added system components that are NG911 compatible. As they become available we will bring all components of a NG911 system online. The State of Idaho Emergency Communications Commission has approved an NG911 plan that can be viewed here. For more information on NG911 please visit www.nena.org.

When you dial 9-1-1 in Nez Perce County, your call is routed to one of the two PSAPs (Communications Centers) located here. If you are calling from within the City of Lewiston your call is answered by the Lewiston Police Department Communications Center. All calls outside the Lewiston City limits are answered by the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office Communications Center. During the call the 9-1-1 Call-Takers and Dispatchers work together to send the appropriate responding units to your location based on the type of response you require.

You should call 9-1-1 when you have an Emergency situation such as:

• Medical Emergencies
• Crime In Progress
• Fires Hazardous Material Spills/Leaks
• Vehicular Accidents
• Domestic Disputes

When I am unable to call 9-1-1 - "Call if you can; Text if you can't"

Please do not call 9-1-1 for Non-Emergency situations such as:

• For Information
• Directory Assistance
• On-going Investigations
• Noise Complaint
• Weather Report
• Keys Locked in Vehicle
• Legal Advice

Yes, the non-emergency numbers for each agency is listed below.

Lewiston Police Department (208) 746-0171
Lewiston Ambulance: (208) 743-8820
Lewiston Fire Department: (208) 746-3801
Nez Perce County Sheriff (208) 799-3131
Nez Perce Tribe Police Department: (208) 843-7141
Emergency Management: (208) 799-3084

Nothing, each active phone in Nez Perce County is assessed a monthly fee of $1.25per calling device that funds local and state level 9-1-1 services.

Listen to the 9-1-1 Call-Taker and respond to all questions and instructions. It is very important that you remain as calm as possible when making a 9-1-1 call.

The operator initially has to confirm that s/he heard the address correctly to make sure help is sent to the correct location. A callback number needs to be obtained in case the call is disconnected prior to obtaining necessary information. After initial information is obtained, the 9-1-1 operator then asks a variety of questions based on the type of call. The main reason for this is so that s/he is able to gather as much information as possible to send the correct type of help (EMS, police, fire, etc.) and the correct level of help (medic, medic/engine, medic/engine/law enforcement). These questions are also asked to ensure that responding units have all of the available/necessary information to respond to the call with the proper resources and to make sure parties involved and first responders are kept safe by knowing the specifics of the situation they are entering into (site dangers, active violence, etc.).

Stay on the line and let the 9-1-1 Call-Taker know your call is a mistake. If you hang up the 9-1-1 Call-Taker will call you back using the Caller ID on the 9-1-1 call taking system.

The same as any other phone although VoIP phones do have some limitations. For more information on VoIP phone limitations and other issues please visit www.fcc.gov/guides/voip-and-911-service.

No, it does not mean you will get an immediate response. It is the caller’s responsibility to make sure the 9-1-1 operator knows where to send help and what type of help is needed. Depending on other situations occurring at the time of your call and the priority level of your call, there may be some delay in response from a responding unit, although you will be made aware of any delay.

If you do not need a response, stay on the line and let the 9-1-1 operator know of the circumstances and that help is not needed. If you have already disconnected and no longer need assistance, redial 9-1-1 and advise that responding units can disregard.

9-1-1 has the telephone number for poison control and can refer callers to poison control based on the type of problem they are experiencing.

If there is suspicious activity occurring at the time of the call, dialing 9-1-1 is a good option. If no activity is occurring at the time of the call, the non-emergency number for the appropriate law enforcement agency can be used.

Lewiston Police Department: (208) 746-0171
Lewiston Police Department: Tip Line (208) 298-3939
Nez Perce County Sheriff: (208) 799-3131
Nez Perce Tribe Police Department: (208) 843-7141

Everyone in Nez Perce County that owns a wireline, wireless, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone pays a $1.25 monthly 9-1-1 service fee per phone or calling device that is collected by your service provider. Prepaid phone fees are collected at the point of sale (retail store) where the phone was purchased or prepaid minutes renewed. The fee is $1.25 per purchase or renewal when purchased in Nez Perce County.

While unfortunate, prank 9-1-1 calls do happen. Please remember that a prank call delays response time for real 9-1-1 calls and could in fact mean the difference between life and death for someone in an emergency situation with an immediate need for help.