I called 573-437-2195 to talk to Owensville Police, why are you answering?
When you call 573-437-2195 and it rings with no answer- the phone system will forward your call to us at the Communications Center after 3 rings.
Can I talk to an officer?
Always! However, we do not share an office with them so we take your name, phone number, and a brief reason why you want to talk to one and have them call you back. They always try to call you back as soon as possible, but sometimes it does take a bit if they are on a high priority call such as a domestic or motor vehicle accident.
Can I text 911?
Yes you can!
Things to Remember When Texting 911:
- Your location will not be automatically texted to 911. You will have to give it to us.
- Your first text message should be brief and include the LOCATION of the emergency.
- Text 911 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order, or may not be received at all.
- A text data plan is required to place a text to 911.
- Photos and videos can NOT be sent at this time.
- Text to 911 can NOT include more than one recipient.
- Do not set your “SOS” setting on your phone to dial or text 911.
Will 911 automatically get my location when I call?
Not all the time. If you are calling from a landline (home phone line) your address WILL show on our screen since we are an enhanced 911 system in Gasconade County. We will still ask the address to make double sure we have the correct location.
If you are calling from a cell phone- we will NOT always get your location.
Can I dial 911 from a wireless phone without a wireless calling plan?
All wireless phones, even those that are not subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier, can call 911. However, calls to 911 on phones without active service do not deliver the caller’s location to the 911 call center, and the call center cannot call these phones back to find out the caller’s location or the nature of the emergency. If disconnected, the 911 center has no way to call back the caller.
These uninitialized phones are often used to place malicious or fake calls to 911 call centers. These calls are a burden on the 911 system because 911 call centers are required to find out whether or not an emergency truly exists.
Oftentimes, parents provide these uninitialized wireless phones as toys to young children, unaware that if the child dials 911, a live call will be connected with the local 911 call center. It is recommended that parents remove the phone’s battery before giving these phones to children.