February 2025

Welcome to The SREC Dispatch: a monthly community newsletter

We are thrilled to bring you the very first edition of The SREC Dispatch, our new monthly e-newsletter dedicated to keeping you informed about Spokane County’s 911 Emergency Communications System, including Crime Check.

At SREC 911, our mission goes beyond answering calls—it’s about empowering our community with the tools and knowledge needed to stay safe and informed. With this newsletter, our goal is to:

​

📞 Educate you on the best ways to use 911 and Crime Check for emergency and non-emergency situations.

💡 Share tips on how to navigate and utilize the system effectively.

🛠️ Provide resources and tools for those in our community who need assistance.

👷 Offer insight into the daily work of the incredible staff who ensure our system runs smoothly, 24/7.

We’re excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to strengthening the connection between SREC 911 and the community we proudly serve. Thank you for joining us in this new chapter—we’re so glad you’re here!

Stay tuned for updates, stories, and tips in each issue of The SREC Dispatch!

What happens when you hang up on 911?

In an emergency, waiting for your call to be answered can feel like forever. While our average wait times for 911 in 2024 range between 9-15 seconds, high call volumes can occasionally mean longer waits. No matter what, it’s critical to stay on the line—for your safety and for others.

Here’s why:

📞 Hanging up creates delays. When you hang up, our Communications Officers have to stop answering other calls to call you back. This process can take a minute or more. If you call back, your call goes to the end of the line and may result in an even longer wait.

📱 Accidental calls happen—and that’s okay! If your device dials 911 by mistake, just stay on the line and let us know. We’ll confirm everything is fine, thank you, and move on to the next call.

Be ready to answer questions

when you call 911

When you call 911, communications officers are highly trained to get the information needed to send help as quickly as possible. Being prepared for an emergency can save valuable time.

Our questions don’t slow anything down—help is already on the way as we gather details. You may think some of our questions aren’t related, but they follow very specific protocols designed to ensure the right help gets to you quickly and safely. Calling 911 is more like an interview than a conversation, so let us guide you.

Always provide your exact location, including apartment or building numbers. Stay calm, answer questions clearly, and trust the process. Every second counts.

SREC’s new building: planning

for the future

SREC is excited to announce plans for our new facility, located at 12809 E Mirabeau Parkway in Spokane Valley. The site offers an easy commute for employees, proximity to amenities, and room for growth.

After carefully evaluating remodeling versus new construction, this location was chosen for its overall cost-effectiveness and long-term benefits.

The new building will feature 44,125 square feet of space, with 150-175 parking spaces and on-site accommodations for our Radio team, who are currently at a separate location.

​

Planning began last month, with construction starting in Summer 2025 and move-in anticipated by Spring 2026. We’re excited to become part of our new neighborhood and look forward to serving the community from this modern, future-ready space!