24/7 For The City of Tracy
There are 13 Public Safety Dispatchers, 4 Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, and 2 Public Safety Dispatch Supervisors staffing the Tracy Police Department Communications Unit. The unit falls under the direction of the Bureau of Support Services.
The center answers all telephone and radio communications for the police department and dispatches city on-call personnel for public works and code enforcement after normal business hours.
The Best in Technology
Our unit uses the latest technology to serve the community, including:
- Two-way multiple-channel radios allow for communication with other agencies.
- Mobile Digital Computers (MDCs) to send calls and communicate with emergency personnel in the field.
- An enhanced Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System allows us to send the correct type and amount of resources to a location. The CAD system also allows us to review call history, complete database records searches for stolen property, wanted people, and more.
- Hearing and speech-impaired software and hardware, as well as a robust caller identification system.
- Text-to-911 software for communicating with people via text messages.
- Language interpreter service for over 140 languages and dialects.
Contact Information
Bureau of Support Services
This unit is part of the Bureau of Support Services.
Tracy Police Department
1000 Civic Center Drive
Tracy, CA 95376
Non-Emergency
(209) 831-6560
After Hours
(209) 831-6550
Send a Message
If you have questions or want more information about this unit.
At A Glance…
2023 Statistics for the Tracy Police Department’s Communication’s Unit
Telephone Calls to Tracy PD
911 Calls to Tracy PD
What You Should Know About 911
Here are our top frequently asked questions as well as information we want you to know for future reference.
What should I do if I accidentally dial 9-1-1?
If you, or your child, accidentally call 9-1-1, stay on the line and let the dispatcher know that you made an error and answer any additional questions they may have. Hanging up will require the Communications Center personnel to call you back until you answer. If no answer is received, police officers may be dispatched. A 9-1-1 call that is disconnected is considered a top priority for officers.
When should I dial 9-1-1-?
9-1-1 should only be used when reporting a crime in progress or an emergency. An emergency is a situation that threatens human life or property and demands immediate attention. Some examples of when you should call 9-1-1:
- Shots fired
- Medical emergencies
- Verbal or physical fights in progress
- Sexual assaults in progress or just occurred
- Burglaries or robberies in progress or just occurred
- Domestic violence or child abuse in progress or just occurred
- Vehicle accidents with injuries or possible injuries
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fire or explosion
Please do not call 9-1-1 after an earthquake or other widespread disaster unless you specifically need rescue or medical assistance. The lines must be kept available for those who need immediate help. For information, tune to local TV or radio stations.
If you are reporting a crime that is in progress or has just occurred, there are questions the dispatcher may ask while officers are being dispatched. Please try and remain calm and stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up. These additional questions will not delay a response, and in many cases will give officers a better chance of apprehending suspects.
What number should I call for a non-emergency?
To report a non-emergency please call 209-831-6550, option 2. Some examples of non-emergency calls:
- Thefts or burglaries that are not in progress and did not just occur
- Noise disturbances
- Past incidents of abuse or cold crimes with suspect information
- Car or building alarms when you do not see anyone around
- Civil standbys
- Non-injury collisions
- Animal complaints
- Parking complaints
Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?
Dispatchers are trained to try and get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem. The information provided by callers can assist the officers in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harm’s way. Keep in mind that while you’re speaking on the phone, the dispatcher is typing on the computer to update the call information, communicating with responding police officers, updating other dispatchers as to what is happening, reading any alert or hazard information for where they are sending the officers and emergency personnel and much more. They truly are multi-tasking at a level not believed to be possible.
What questions should I expect to be asked when I call 9-1-1?
- What is the address of your emergency?
- What are you reporting?
- What is your name and phone number?
- When did this occur?
- Who is involved?
- Are there any weapons involved? If so, what kind?
- Does anyone need medical attention?
Do I have to give my name if I call 9-1-1?
No. The dispatchers will always ask for your name and call back number, so the officers can call you back if needed. However, you do not need to provide it.
Who do I call for a power outage?
Call PG&E to report a power outage or check the status of one 800-743-5002 or go to their website PGE Emergency Site – Outage Center. Please do not call 9-1-1 to ask why the power is out. Often time our dispatchers first learn of a power outage from you the caller. PG&E does not provide any update or estimate of power to be restored to our dispatchers.
What is the most important information I need to give to the dispatcher?
The location of the emergency and they nature of the emergency. The dispatcher cannot send the appropriate help without the location and the nature of the emergency.
Why was I placed on hold?
The dispatchers are trained to triage incoming phone calls based on the level of emergency they require. This means you may be placed on hold while they assist another caller. Please do not hang up. The dispatcher will return to you as soon as they can to obtain additional information.