911 Communications

The Vincent M. Brock Communications Center is a regional public safety answering point (PSAP) for any emergency 911 calls from the residents and visitors of Paramus, as well as six additional towns throughout Bergen County; a total residential population of 74,527 people.  These towns are Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgefield Park, Rochelle Park, Saddle River, Tenafly, and Upper Saddle River.  In 2021, the Communications Center answered 67,628 emergency 911 calls.

These emergency calls can be for any type of incident; requesting police, fire or medical response.  Telecommunicators are trained to gather all the necessary information to determine the most appropriate response.  Additionally, telecommunicators maintain a certification in emergency medical dispatch, allowing them to provide pre-arrival medical instructions to callers while help is sent.  Pre-arrival instructions can be as simple as basic first-aid, or as complex as verbal instruction on how to perform CPR.  Telecommunicators must learn how to work through stress and emotions to take control of these calls and act effectively and efficiently.

In addition to handling nearly two hundred 911 calls every day, telecommunicators are charged with the radio dispatch of police, fire, medical, and support agencies throughout the Borough.  After sending the appropriate response, telecommunicators will serve as a relay between responders, and a hub of information.  In 2020, the Communications Center dispatched 41,253 calls for service.

The Communications Center is a vital link in law enforcement, assisting officers in various ways.  Field units are able to radio into the Center for computer checks on people and property to be run through CJIS, NCIC and ATS/ACS.  Telecommunicator will check for warrants, criminal and driving histories, and general information on persons and items.  They also ensure officers are safe in the field, regularly checking their status when they are on calls or out with subjects.  Telecommunicators are also responsible for mass notification, utilizing the ParamusALERT system to notify residents and visitors of traffic conditions and other incidents within the Borough.  To sign up for the ParamusALERT system, please visit tinyurl.com/ParamusALERT or text ParamusALERT to 67283.