Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do I need to know about 9-1-1?

A. Dial 911: When Every Second Counts

When you want an emergency response from a public safety agency,
dial 9-1-1.

If it is not an emergency, look up the seven digit number for the agency in the telephone book. In our case, the Sherman Police Deparment Non-Emergency Number is 903-892-7290

How does 9-1-1 work?

When you dial 9-1-1, the system directs your call to a public safety dispatch center operated by your local police, fire, or sheriff's department and staffed by highly trained professionals. It is important that you stay on the line and tell the dispatcher what help is needed and where it is needed

Dispatchers are trained to ask you questions that are helpful in determining which agency should respond and how quickly. By answering these questions you are helping them provide the best possible response.

Are there charges for dialing 9-1-1?

There are no charges for dialing 9-1-1 to request assistance, but there may be charges for services provided, such as ambulance transportation. Those charges could result regardless of the number dialed. You can dial 9-1-1 from any payphone without depositing a coin.

9-1-1 works from car phones too.

If you have a cellular phone, you can dial 9-1-1 and your call will be answered by a dispatcher. There is no charge for a 9-1-1 call from a cellular phone.

Does calling 9-1-1 mean that you will get an immediate response?

All police, fire, and emergency medical services will respond to your need as quickly as possible. If these agencies are busy, a response will be provided in the order of urgency.

Help us help you. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher what help is needed and where it is needed.

• Stay calm. Don't get excited. Take a deep breath.


• Dial 9-1-1 right away. Don't wait for someone else to call.


• Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this:

• Tell them the exact address where help is needed. Be sure to give the FULL address, including any apartment number, suite number, space number, etc.


• Tell them the phone number you are calling from. If you are not at the same address as the emergency, tell them the address where you are.


• Tell them your name.


• DO NOT HANG UP until the person on the telephone tells you to do so. They may need to ask you more questions to help the fire, police, or ambulance to find you.

Dial 9-1-1 only when you have a life threatening injury or illness, or witness a serious crime in progress.

Other things to know when you call 9-1-1:

• Give your complete address, including an apartment number or letter.


• Let the operator control the conversation.


• Speak loud and clear, but do not scream.

Please do not call 9-1-1- and:

• Say, "This is not an emergency, but..."


• Ask for the Police Department's non-emergency number. The Non-Emergency number for the Sherman Police Department is 903-892-7290.


• Ask for another police department's non-emergency number. If that police department is in another area code, dial that area code, then 555-1212.


• Hang up before speaking to the 911 operator. If you do, they will call you back and a squad car may be sent to your home.


• Report that the power is out at your home, unless it is an emergency. Call your utility service provider.


• Ask for a weather report. Check the Internet instead. If your power is out, get a battery-powered radio and stay tuned to a local radio station.