Joint 911 Center

Joint 911 Communications Initiative

Working to strengthen countywide emergency communications.

When seconds count most, our community depends on reliable emergency communications. Cumberland County and the City of Fayetteville have spent several years evaluating opportunities to strengthen 911 services through a unified communications center to support the long-term needs of our growing community.

This page serves as the County's central source for information including updates, reports, public meeting materials, frequently asked questions and community engagement opportunities.

Project Overview

The Joint 911 Communications Initiative focuses on:

• Strengthening emergency communications
• Improving coordination among first responders
• Supporting firefighters, law enforcement and EMS
  
• Standardizing operations and training
• Preparing for future technology
• Supporting Fort Bragg and regional emergency response

Why This Matters

Every second counts during an emergency. A consolidated communications center is intended to:

• Improve coordination
• Reduce duplication
• Standardize procedures
• Support first responders
• Prepare for future technology
• Strengthen regional emergency communications
• Support Fort Bragg and regional mission readiness

Project Timeline

2017

• County Committee presents 911 consolidation proposal
• Chairman and Mayor issue joint statement

2018

• County Commissioners identify emergency communications as a priority

2019

• County awarded $2.25 million grant for new 911 center
• Planning for a modern communications center continues

2025

• Joint meeting advances shared goal of strengthening countywide 911 services

2026

• Public safety personnel and community input survey responses presented to Board of Commissioners
• House Bill 1220 introduced
• Ongoing discussions continue
  

Reports & Documents

• 2025 Fayetteville-Cumberland County PSAP Consolidation Full Report
• 2016 Fayetteville-Cumberland County Co-location Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study
• Public Safety and Community Input Survey Results

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is a consolidated center being discussed? A consolidated center allows first responders to coordinate more effectively, supports future technology and creates consistent countywide emergency communications.
• Why is Cumberland County proposed as the administrative home? Cumberland County already provides dispatch services for the unincorporated areas and all eight municipalities, operates the dispatch platform used throughout the county and coordinates countywide emergency management. Under the County's proposal, public safety professionals would continue making operational decisions regardless of the administrative structure.
• If the centers consolidated, will anyone lose their job? No. The proposal developed by public safety working groups includes: No job losses, salary parity, employee protections and continued professional development.
• Who will operate the center? Public safety professionals. Elected officials establish governance, funding and oversight. Public safety professionals manage day-to-day operations, including answering 911 calls, dispatching emergency responders and maintaining professional standards.
• Will taxes increase? State 911 funding covers only part of the cost of operating a communications center. Local governments fund the remaining costs through their general funds. A consolidated center is intended to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.
• What is a PSAP? A Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) is the communications center where 911 calls are received and emergency responders are dispatched.
• What is Triple Accreditation? Triple Accreditation (tri-ace) recognizes excellence in emergency communications across law enforcement, fire and emergency medical dispatch. It reflects nationally recognized standards for training, quality assurance and continuous improvement. Cumberland County 911 is tri-ace certified.