Communications Division
Benjie Walker
 Communications Administator
161 N Ross Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830
(334) 501-3110
(334) 501-7286 (Fax)

The Communications Division is responsible for receiving calls for service and relaying information and instructions for police, fire, rescue and other emergency services. The Communications Division uses the latest technology including enhanced 911 to dispatch these calls.

Mission

To provide a reliable communication system for police and fire, and dispatch emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 911.

FOR NON-EMERGENCY CALLS, PLEASE DIAL (334) 501-3100.

The Communications Division of the Public Safety Department is located at 161 N. Ross Street. The Communications Division is staffed with three Communications Officers at all times. These on-duty personnel are responsible for receiving calls for service and relaying information and instructions for police, fire, medical, and all other emergency services.

The Communications Division has 10 full time personnel and is supplemented by 6 part-time student personnel. Communications Officers are responsible for answering four 911 telephone lines, four non-emergency lines, ringdown lines to each of the five fire stations and a ringdown line for the Emergency Medical Service. As well as the telephone and ringdown lines, the Communications Officers monitor and respond to five radio frequencies (Auburn Fire, Auburn Police, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Statenet, and Auburn Public Works) .

To assist Communications Officers, a system known as Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) has been implemented which allows for the entering, monitoring, and tracking of service calls.  In addition to the computerized dispatch equipment, Communications Officers utilize several other types of computer equipment, which assists in the delivery of services.

When providing a service such as emergency communications, it is essential to stay abreast of changing technology and ensure that the best quality of service is being received.  When an emergency call is received, it is crucial that a well-trained Communications Officers answers the request in order to provide the needed assistance without delay.  The City of Auburn utilizes an enhanced 911 system in the process of receiving 911 calls.  The enhanced system allows the Communications Officer to immediately access the address and the telephone number of the caller.   This expedites the dispatch process and assists in maintaining an electronic record of the call.

In addition to an Enhanced 911 System, Phase Two 911 is also utilized.  Phase Two 911 permits the Communications Officer to plot a caller on an electronic map when a wireless 911 call is made.

The Communications Division participates in the Student Employee Program.   Students who are selected for employment in the Communications Division are eligible for tuition reimbursement and free housing at one of the five fire stations located throughout the city.

If you are interested in part-time employment, tuition reimbursement and housing, please refer to the Student Employee Program or call the Deputy Director of Public Safety - Emergency Communications, Benjie Walker, at (334) 501-3101.

Polygraphy

The Auburn Public Safety Department currently utilizes the polygraph for pre-employment, internal affairs, and criminal investigations.  Matters relating to polygraphy fall into the realm of responsibility of the Police Division and the Communications Division.  The Deputy Director of Public Safety - Emergency Communications, Benjie Walker is one of two certified polygraph examiners within the Public Safety Department. Mr. Walker has been conducting examinations since 1987 and is a graduate of Auburn University, the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, numerous police and polygraph related schools.  Mr. Walker is  an active member of the Alabama Polygraph Association and also conducts polygraph examinations for surrounding city, county, state and federal agencies on an as needed basis.

Mr. Walker assists local university students on polygraph research and frequently speaks to local schools and civic organizations on the science of polygraph.  For more information please contact Mr. Walker at the Auburn Public Safety Department - Communications Division.  Mr. Walker may be reached at (334) 501-3101.