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POLICE Department

Emergency Communications

The Emergency Communications Division (ECD) is commanded by a captain who oversees both classified and civilian personnel. The division manages emergency and nonemergency calls (9‐1‐1 and 713‐884‐3131, respectively).

After Houston Emergency Center call‐takers receive a call and gather essential information, it is routed to ECD staff for further handling. An officer may be dispatched to a scene, or the call may be handled through an alternative response unit:

Teleserve, which serves as a report‐writing unit that services “delayed report” calls involving lost or stolen property or willful damage to property lacking evidence and suspects; and
Patrol Desk Unit, which seeks innovative ways to resolve citizen requests for service via the telephone to keep patrol officers free for higher priority calls for service and crime control efforts.