The Cattaraugus County 9-1-1 Center answers calls not only on dedicated 9-1-1 telephone lines, but also on non-emergency lines for the Sheriff's Office, and on other lines designated to receive calls intended for several local police agencies, the County Health Department and Department of Public Works, and from alarm companies.

It is important that the 9-1-1 emergency number be used only in emergencies. Any time you think you have an emergency, it is appropriate to dial 9-1-1!

For non-emergencies, please use the non-emergency telephone number to call the 9-1-1 Center. The non-emergency number is (716)938-9191. There is an automated answering system on this line, so to reach the 9-1-1 center quickly, simply dial 0 as soon as the message starts.

Some examples of calls that would be considered non-emergency and where you should use the non-emergency telephone number:

• You need to contact a police officer about an ongoing investigation
• You have a concern about another public service, such as the plowing of roads.
• Barking or annoying dogs or other animal complaints, unless an emergency exists (bites or traffic hazards caused by animals)
• Police reports (i.e. non-emergency complaints such as questions on visitation rights or orders of protection, telephone harassment, or other incidents that are not currently in progress.

Each day, the 9-1-1 Center gets a variety of calls that are considered an inappropriate use of the 9-1-1 Emergency Number.

Some types of calls that we have received that are not appropriate include:

• Inquiring about telephone numbers. Please use a directory service for this!
• Inquiring about cable television outages. Please contact your service provider.
• Inquiring about electric service interruptions. Please contact your service provider.
• Asking for directions.
• Questions about school closings, road conditions or traffic conditions.
• Inquiries about community events such as parades or festivals.
• Advice of any kind, including legal advice.
• Information about alarm system activations or about the County Alarm Law.
• Court and Jail information. For the jail, please dial (716) 938-9194.

While it is clearly inappropriate for the above calls to be made via 9-1-1, our dispatchers will help as much as time and call volume permit to refer you to the appropriate agency if you call the non-emergency lines.