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Software glitch blocks some Dakota County 911 calls
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A glitch in the new Dakota County 911 communications system has affected a small number of people who dial 911 but don't get an answer because their calls are not ringing through on the dispatcher's end.
Those callers hear the ringing, though, and wait for about one minute before their call is disconnected by the new software system, officials said.
The phone system has been alerting dispatchers to the failed calls once they are disconnected, and dispatchers are able to call back to get vital information, according to Kent Therkelsen, executive director of the Dakota County Communications Center.
Officials would not say how many calls had been affected, only that it was a "small percentage."
The center, in Empire Township, was created in a joint powers agreement between 11 cities and Dakota County in 2005. They started the joint dispatching from a new building in December, responding to calls for police, sheriff, fire and emergency medical services.
People are urged to continue to use 911 to call the communications center during the repairs. If unable to connect, they should call 322-2323, using either a 952 or 651 area code first, to reach dispatchers, any time of day. That number can also be used by people outside of the county.
The public will be notified when the repairs are complete.
Joy Powell • 952-922-9017
