Language Line ​​​​Translation Services

When someone calls 9-1-1 who doesn't speak English, a translator is necessary to help provide the details of his or her emergency.

The call taker will connect to a translation service using an automated process, establishing a three-way conference call between the caller, the 9-1-1 call taker and the language translation service. This allows the call taker to maintain contact with the caller throughout the connection process to ensure emergency response services are provided.

Lee Control call takers encounter Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals who call 9-1-1 as many as 15 times per day. The majority who require translator services are Spanish-speaking callers. However, Creole, French and German speakers are occasionally encountered as well.

TTY Calls to 9-1-1

The computerized telephone system installed in the Lee County Public Safety Communications automatically recognizes a teletypewriter (TTY) call, and the 9-1-1 and dispatch personnel are trained to answer emergency calls from persons who are hearing and/or speech impaired.  Do not attempt to send a text message to 9-1-1 or the non-emergency dispatch number.

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