Permian Basin 911 FAQ

PBRPC offers two main services in the interest of protecting our residents. Our 9-1-1 Emergency Communications provides the latest call handling equipment, a redundant network and an IP-enabled next-generation 9-1-1 system to ensure residents can reach emergency first responders when they need them. In addition, PBRPC’s Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department offers important public safety support that includes providing information on the planning and implementation of homeland security programs.  

Most people are aware of the most common method of contacting emergency first responders through 9-1-1: Simply pick up your phone and dial. But that isn’t the only way to reach first responders. For deaf residents or people who are otherwise unable to call, texting 9-1-1 is also an option. Learn more about Text-to-9-1-1 in this video PSA by the Texas School for the Deaf. Some apps also allow access to 9-1-1 services, but calling or texting will always be the fastest way to get help. 

If you need to request a 9-1-1 physical address for a new structure in an incorporated area, call your local City Hall for more information. If your new structure is outside of city limits, you can find contact information for your local coordinator on our website. 

If your global positioning system (GPS) devices, apps, or online mapping tools such as Google or Apple Maps display your home or business address in the wrong place, you can visit the GPS website and follow their instructions for correcting your location. 

Educating children about 9-1-1 services is important so they know how to get help in an emergency, but also so they know not to call for help when they are not in an emergency situation. The PBRPC 9-1-1 Department offers public education materials for pre-K, elementary, and middle school children, including pencils, pens, crayons, activity books, and thumb bands. Materials are available in English and Spanish. In addition, 9-1-1 mascot Cell Phone Sally is available to appear at planned events either with one of our employees or through a loan of the costume. 

Since Sept. 1, 2016, Kari’s Law has required that all businesses with multi-line telephones provide direct access to 9-1-1 when a call is placed. Find more information about Kari’s Law and what businesses are impacted here.

The PBRPC Criminal Justice Homeland Security Department serves a number of important roles in the Permian Basin. The Department: 

• Provides information and assistance to local governments on planning and implementing homeland security programs;
• Integrates regional planning and priorities with state agency activities;
• Assists state agencies that administer emergency preparedness programs in their work with PBRPC’s local government members; and
• Develops, implements, and supports a mobile radio communications network for regional public safety and first responders.

The PBRPC offers a range of homeland security resources, from grant applications for funding homeland security projects to disaster preparation, mitigation, and assistance. 

The Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission’s Law Enforcement Academy (PBLEA) has helped train regional law enforcement officers for more than 50 years. The academy trains police and sheriff’s deputy recruits as well as jailers to maintain licensing requirements and improve expertise. 

Anyone interested in attending the PBLEA should contact their local Permian Basin Law Enforcement Agency.  

The PBRPC’s Criminal Justice Program works with local governments and nonprofit entities to develop programs and projects designed to address specific crime-related community problems. The program also coordinates grant application review and develops guidelines and rules and monitors grant program operations.