What happens when you call 911?

All calls to 911 placed by residents of Guilford County are answered by dispatchers at Guilford Metro 911. These dispatchers ask targeted questions to ensure that the appropriate assistance is provided as quickly as possible. For calls that are sent to the Greensboro Police Department, the dispatcher determines a “priority code” based on information provided by the caller.

Each priority code includes a set of criteria that helps 911 dispatchers determine the urgency of the caller’s situation and the appropriate emergency response. There are 10 priority codes, from 0 – the most urgent type of call, where serious injury or death is imminent – to 9, which are personal messages for an officer. The lower the priority code number, the more threat or danger to a person, more potential for catching a suspect, and more opportunity for evidence collection.

Residents who call 911 for emergency assistance can help ensure an effective response by following a few simple guidelines:

  • Remain calm. This can be a challenge in an emergency situation, but staying calm helps you answer questions quickly and rationally, which in turn gets help to you faster.
  • Be patient. The dispatcher asks a series of questions that are designed to get help to you quickly. Depending on the type of call, help has already been dispatched while the dispatcher asks additional questions.
  • Know your address. If you’re calling from a cell phone, Guilford Metro 911 dispatchers may not be able to pinpoint your exact location. This is particularly critical if you are calling from an apartment complex or dormitory.

Both the Greensboro Police Department and Guilford Metro 911 share a common goal: to ensure public safety by providing emergency assistance quickly and effectively. With an enhanced understanding of the processes that guide the work of both agencies, residents can help ensure that help will arrive when they need it.

"... the average response times ... were in the four-minute range
-- an excellent response time to priority 1 calls."
~ Carroll Buracker & Associates