How does 9-1-1 work in Boone County?
9-1-1 is in service for every telephone in both city and rural areas within Boone County. When you dial 9-1-1, your call is automatically sent to the Public Safety Joint Communications Center located in Columbia at 7th & Walnut St. If you are calling from outside the Columbia metro dialing area, there are no long distance charges. If you need to call 9-1-1 from a pay telephone, there is no charge- just pick up the receiver and dial. Upon receipt of a 9-1-1 call, information is automatically displayed on a computer screen that will assist the dispatcher in identifying the address from which the call is being placed. But it is vitally important that you stay on the line and tell the 9-1-1 dispatcher what help is needed and where it is needed.
