Communications/Dispatch

The Estes Park Dispatch Center is a computer-aided dispatch center with enhanced 911 capabilities. The center has a minimum staffing of 1 dispatcher at all times, with optimal coverage of 2 people. The dispatch center has a functional back up center in case of an emergency evacuation or another similar emergency. The Estes Park Police Department also has a mobile communications center that is used for large-scale events.
 

Communications Numbers

• Main number, non-emergency in town limits: 970-586-4000
• Outside Town limits, Larimer County Sheriff: 970-416-1985
• Rocky Mountain National Park Dispatch: 970-586-1399
• Colorado State Patrol: 303-239-4501
• Colorado Toll Free Road Conditions: 1-877-315-7623 or 511
• Estes Park Police Department Records: 970-577-3830
• Animal Control in town limits 586-4000 (Note 911 is NOT the number to call for wildlife emergencies)
• Animal Control outside town limits, Larimer County Humane Society: 970-226-3647
• Poison Help Hotline: 800-222-1222

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I call 911 on my cell phone in Estes Park, where will the call go?

The call, in most cases, will be routed to the Estes Park Police Department. It is important to know your approximate location to help us locate you. The cell phone carriers are working diligently to resolve the situation, however many cell phones do not have the Global Positioning Chip necessary to identify a location.

2. When are you open?

The dispatch center is a 24-hour operation, every day of the year.

3. Can dispatch give medical advice?

Although all of the dispatchers serving Estes Park are certified to provide Emergency Medical Dispatch, or EMD, they are not qualified to give medical "advice."  These situations are referred to a doctor's office or the hospital emergency room after hours.

4. Why am I asked all these questions when I call 911?  I just want help.

The first thing a dispatcher needs to do is verify your location and get a call-back number in case the call is disconnected. For medical calls, the Emergency Medical Dispatch procedure is to gather information to send the correct response for the medical emergency. Our dispatchers must also asess scene safety for the sake of the responders and the caller.

5. How many agencies do you dispatch for?

This center dispatches for the Estes Park Police Department, Estes Park and Glen Haven Fire Departments, Estes Park Ambulance Service, Rocky Mountain National Park (after hours), Animal Control, Division of Wildlife (when in this area), Water Department (after hours), Light & Power (after hours) and Victims Advocates (after hours).

6. How many dispatchers do you have?

When fully staffed, we have 6 full-time dispatchers and 1 Support Services Sergeant.