The Big Horn County Dispatch Center is open 24/7 and is manned by highly trained professional dispatchers. In an emergency the dispatchers are the life line between the general public and the first responders.

The Big Horn County Dispatch Center dispatches for the following agencies. Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, Big Horn County Search and Rescue, Basin Police Department, Greybull  Police Department, Atwood ambulance, Big Horn County Fire Warden, Big Horn County fire districts #2, #3, and #4, Greybull Fire Department, Shell Fire Department, Hyattville First Responders, Otto, Shell, Emblem and Manderson.

DISPATCH - Reporting Crimes

Where can I get assistance if I’ve been a witness to or a victim of a crime? 

Please call the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office and speak with our staff. We have several resources available for both victims of a crime and witnesses of a crime. 

How can I be a good witness?

- If you are a crime victim or if you witness a crime, your observations can lead to a faster resolution of the case.

- When you report a crime, the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office will ask you to describe the suspect(s) you observed. NEVER place your personal safety or the safety of those around you in jeopardy to get a better description of a subject, but if possible, make a mental picture of the suspect(s) by scanning the individual(s) from top to bottom, and outside to inside.

- Note the most obvious information first: race, sex, approximate age, weight and height. Then note hair and eye color, complexion and any distinguishing features such as glasses, scars, facial hair, etc.

- Notice what the person is wearing, starting with the outside layer of clothing. Many times a suspect may remove outerwear to elude law enforcement officers.

- If you're describing a vehicle, remember the acronym CYMBALS:

• C -  color
• Y -  year
• M -  make
• B -  body
• A -  additional descriptive features
• L -  license
• S -  state

How do I report a break-in in progress?

- During a break- in, the safety of you and your loved ones should be your primary concern, not the protection of your property. No possession is worth risking a human life.

- If someone is breaking into your home, you and those in the house should leave immediately. Choose an exit, a window or door, that is safely away from the intruder. Go to a neighbor's home and dial 9- 1- 1.

- If you cannot escape, quickly move everyone into one room that has a phone and lock and barricade the door. Immediately call 9- 1- 1 and be prepared to give the operator your address and other details including the color of your house, location of any fencing, status of outdoor lights and other information that may be required. The operator will remain on the phone with you as deputies respond and will continue to ask questions and provide information.

- The use of weapons to protect yourself is a dangerous option. In a face- to- face confrontation, your weapon may be taken from you and used against you. Weapons have also been used against law enforcement officers or family members that were mistaken for intruders. The use of any weapon or deadly force is a last resort, even for highly trained deputies.

How can I report crime tips?

If you have information about a crime, witnessed a crime, or have overheard someone discussing participation in a crime, don't be afraid to report it. The community support is very important in solving crimes in our County. 

911 Tips for Callers

IS A PERSON HURT OR IN DANGER? DO YOU NEED THE POLICE, FIRE OR AMBULANCE?
Have you ever wondered whether to call 9-1-1? Since 9-1-1 is for emergencies only, it helps to understand when to call and when not to call. An emergency is any serious situation where a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical help is needed right away. If you are unsure of whether your situation is an emergency, go ahead and call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 call taker can determine if you need emergency assistance and can route you to the correct location.

WHEN CALLING 9-1-1 DO YOUR BEST TO STAY CALM AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.
Staying calm can be one of the most difficult, yet most important, things you do when calling 9-1-1. It is very important that you stay as calm as possible and answer all the questions the 9-1-1 call taker asks. The questions 9-1-1 call takers ask, no matter how relevant they seem, are important in helping get the first responders to you as fast as possible.

IF YOU DO CALL 9-1-1, EVEN BY MISTAKE, DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE.
9-1-1 call takers are trained to get the most important information as quickly as possible to get help on the way to an emergency situation. In an emergency situation, allow the call taker to ask you all the questions they need in order to get help there in the timeliest manner before you hang up or leave the phone. If you happen to call by accident, stay on the line until you can tell the call taker that you called by accident and there is no emergency. This saves the call taker from having to call you back and confirm there is no emergency or sending police with lights and sirens to check your address for an emergency.

HELP THE 9-1-1 CALL TAKER HELP YOU.
Listen and answer the questions asked. By doing this, it helps the call taker understand your situation and will assist you with your emergency until the appropriate police, fire or medical units arrive.

KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE EMERGENCY.
The wireless 9-1-1 caller must be aware that the 9-1-1 center that answers the call may not be the 9-1-1 center that services the area that the wireless caller is calling from. Look for landmarks, cross street signs and buildings. Know the name of the city or county you are in. Knowing the location is vital to getting the appropriate police, fire or EMS units to respond. Providing an accurate address is critically important when making a wireless 9-1-1 call.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO CALL 9-1-1.
Be sure they know what 9-1-1 is, how to dial from your home and cell phone, and to trust the 9-1-1 call taker. Make sure your child is physically able to reach at least one phone in your home. When calling 9-1-1 your child needs to know their name, parent’s name, telephone number, and most importantly their address. Tell them to answer all the call takers questions and to stay on the phone until instructed to hang up.

PRANK CALLS TO 9-1-1 WASTE TIME AND ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ILLEGAL IN MOST STATES.
Be sure all members of your household are aware that prank or harassing calls to 9-1-1 will be dealt with by local law enforcement agencies.

POST YOUR ADDRESS CLEARLY AND PROMINENTLY AT YOUR ENTRANCE AND ON YOUR HOME.
Posting your 9-1-1 address at the driveway entrance and on your home will alleviate any confusion as to whether emergency responders have the correct location. Try using something reflective or illuminated so that it can be seen in the evening as well as during the day.

DO NOT ASSUME SINCE YOUR MAILBOX IS MARKED YOU HAVE POSTED YOUR ADDRESS
Mailboxes are not always at the entrance of a driveway and usually are not marked clearly on both sides. Most cities and counties have ordinances for posting 9-1-1 addresses - check with your local ones. And always report missing street signs when noted - these not only help others find your home but are essential to emergency response personnel. Contact the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office dispatch center if you need to report a missing/damaged street sign.

KNOW THE PHONES YOU OWN.
Educate everyone about the phone system in your home as well as your cell phone. Children may need to use the devices in an emergency and will need to know how to operate them.

DO NOT LET CHILDREN PLAY WITH OLD CELL PHONES.
Even an old cell phone that still has a battery is capable of dialing 9-1-1 even if you don’t have a current contract for your old phone. Trying to track down the calls that come from children playing with a phone is a waste of resources, and could prevent someone with a legitimate emergency from getting through to the 9-1-1 operator. Removing the battery can provide the best way to ensure it can't make a call either on purpose or by accident.