The latest news for you from SREC911: June 2025

June 2025

Stay Alert: Scams Are Evolving — Here’s What to Watch For

Scammers are always finding new ways to trick people — and unfortunately, some familiar ones are still going strong. Staying informed is the best defense. Here are the current scams making the rounds in our region and some tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

Scams We Frequently See:

Sheriff’s Office/Jury Duty Scams: Callers pretend to be law enforcement, claiming you’ve missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. These scams are highly convincing — sometimes even spoofing real agency numbers (even Crime Check!)
Toll Text Scams: Victims receive texts claiming they owe money for unpaid tolls, often with a link to “pay now.” These messages are fake and lead to phishing sites.
Publishers Clearing House Imposters: This old scam is picking up again — promising you’ve won big, but asking for fees or personal info first. A real prize never asks you to pay.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

Pause and Verify: Scammers want you to act fast. Take a breath and check their story — especially if it involves threats, urgency, or payment.
Guard Your Mailbox: Collect mail daily, and consider a locking mailbox or Informed Delivery from USPS.
Secure Your Identity: Use strong, unique passwords and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you suspect identity theft.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust or report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Staying informed and cautious helps protect you, your family, and our community. You can always call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233 if you have concerns or file a report if you've lost money. Learn more about scams and the difference between scams and fraud here.

Caller Praises SREC Communications Officer for Calm, Caring Support

It’s always uplifting to hear how our team’s dedication makes a difference — and recently, one caller went out of their way to say thank you.

One of our Communications Officers, Jason, received a heartfelt message of appreciation from a caller whose wife had experienced a cardiac event. Jason was calm, caring, and supportive— exactly what was needed in a moment of crisis. The caller said his wife is alive today because of Jason’s professional guidance for CPR.

This kind of feedback is a powerful reminder of the impact our team makes every day, often behind the scenes. Jason’s response reflects the values we strive to uphold across SREC: compassion, clarity under pressure, and unwavering service to the public.

We are so thankful this woman recovered! Thank you to this caller for taking the time to recognize the important work done at 911. Great work, Jason — and all who bring that same care to every call.

REMINDER: Get Ready for July 4th & Fire Season with SREC's Mobile App

Don't forget to download the SREC Mobile App. It’s your one-stop resource for staying connected to public safety — and it has great resources for the summer season.

Starting July 2, you’ll be able to report fireworks activity directly through the app — quick, easy, and right at your fingertips. And with fire season approaching, the app also gives you access to up-to-date evacuation maps, so you can stay informed and prepared if wildfires threaten your area.

Other features include:

📝 Online Crime Check Reporting
📄 Public Records Requests
🚨 And more tools to keep you connected to safety

Available for both Android and Apple devices, the SREC app is just one more way we’re working to serve our community with convenience and care.

Download today and stay ready — all summer long.

988 or 911? Knowing the Right Number Can Save a Life

In times of crisis, knowing which number to call — 988 or 911 — can make a critical difference. Both are vital resources, and they work together to get people the help they need.

Call 911 for:

Medical emergencies (chest pain, trouble breathing, serious injuries)
Fire or hazardous conditions
Crimes in progress or situations involving immediate danger

911 connects you with dispatchers who coordinate emergency response from police, fire, or EMS. If someone’s life or safety is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Call 988 for:

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Mental health or substance use crisis
Emotional distress or concern for a loved one

988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. You’ll be connected with trained crisis counselors who offer support, resources, and referrals — often without dispatching emergency responders.

Working Together

911 and 988 are not separate silos — they collaborate closely. If you call 911 and it's determined that specialized mental health support is more appropriate, dispatchers can route the call to 988. Likewise, if a 988 counselor determines someone is at immediate physical risk, they can coordinate with 911 for a safety response.

Both lines are here to help — and together, they create a more compassionate and responsive system for all types of emergencies.

The Power of Regionalization: A Smarter Future for 911 Services

SREC was built on a bold idea: that by uniting our region’s emergency communications under one roof, we could deliver faster, more efficient, and more resilient 911 services to the communities we serve. Today, regionalization is proving to be a smart investment in public safety.

Why Regionalization Works:

Improved Response Times: With agencies operating from a centralized system, coordination is faster and more streamlined — especially during multi-jurisdictional incidents. Less transfers, more consistent care.
Resource Sharing: Technology, training, and personnel are leveraged across the region, reducing duplication and maximizing value. Two of the biggest costs for emergency communications are systems and staffing. Regionalization leverages both.
Consistent Service Quality: Regional standards ensure every caller receives the same high level of service — no matter where they are. SREC is now ACE Accredited for Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), recognized for exceptional quality. At SREC, we hold our staff accountable for delivering high-quality customer service through clear performance standards, ongoing training, and a strong culture of professionalism, compassion, and responsiveness.
Stronger Collaboration: Fire, law enforcement, EMS, and other partners work more closely than ever, improving situational awareness and response.
Future-Ready Infrastructure: A regional model allows for greater investment in advanced tools, including next-gen CAD systems, mobile apps, and enhanced analytics.

SREC’s regional approach is more than just a structure — it’s a commitment to innovation, service excellence, and building a safer region for everyone. It's also a best practice across the State and nationwide. As we look ahead, regionalization remains a cornerstone of our strategy for continuous improvement and community trust.