Emergency Communications

The Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) ensures the effective delivery of routine and emergency calls for service to the City of Alexandria public safety departments.

Page updated on Apr 17, 2019 at 4:58 PM

News

  • Department of Emergency CommunicationsCity of Alexandria Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14-20

    The City of Alexandria joins the nation in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14-20. The annual recognition is dedicated to thanking and honoring those who serve as the "first of the first responders." These professionals provide an essential service to Alexandria’s community by providing 24/7 lifesaving assistance to callers; dispatching police officers, firefighters, and paramedics in the field; and providing public safety personnel with critical information during incidents. Telecommunicators are lifelines, as they are typically the first point of contact for people seeking immediate assistance during emergency and non-emergency situations. 

  • CALEA Accreditation 
    In March 2018, Alexandria's 9-1-1 center obtained Public Safety Communications Accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). Alexandria's 9-1-1 center is one of only eight in Virginia, to hold such accreditation.   Learn More.

  • City Adds "Smart911" Service to Aid Emergency Response  
    The City of Alexandria joined the nationwide "Smart911" service, which lets residents, businesses and visitors provide information to 9-1-1 dispatchers in advance of emergencies.  Learn More.

  • Alexandria First Responders Recognized at White House Ceremony 
    On July 27, 2017, three officers from the Alexandria Police Department received the Public Safety Medal of Valor in recognition of their heroism during the June 14 shooting incident at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park.  Personnel in attendance from the Department of Emergency Communications, Police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff's Office and other partner agencies who responded to the incident were also recognized.  Learn More. 

Our Mission and VisionOur Mission and Vision

The Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) is the Public Safety Answering Point for all emergency services – law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services – within the City of Alexandria.  The mission of the Department of Emergency Communications is to provide a safe and secure environment  by facilitating Police, Fire and Medical Dispatch, to preserve and protect lives  and property of all persons living in and visiting the City of Alexandria.  Learn More


Who We AreWho We Are

The Department of Emergency Communications is composed of 60 seasoned, professional staff who operate in the following areas: 9-1-1 Dispatch, Non-Emergency, Call.Click.Connect and City Radio Manager. Learn More


Our Core Values

Professionalism, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Respect, Dignity, Pride, Partnership and Accountability. Learn More.


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