Our History

countyboundary-medA Legacy of Service and Adaptation

The Benton County Emergency Communications District has evolved over the years to meet the growing needs of our community-while staying true to its mission of providing reliable, accurate, and life-saving emergency communication services.

From Main Street to Modern Systems

The first 9-1-1 call center for Benton County was established at 119 West Main Street in Camden, a building that now serves as the Camden Police Department. This early center laid the foundation for centralized emergency response in our county.

Today, the primary call center is located at 116 South Rosemary Avenue, inside the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. All 9-1-1 calls are answered here by trained telecommunicators who either dispatch the appropriate emergency services directly or transfer the call to the correct response agency. This location serves as the heartbeat of Benton County’s emergency communications.

Administrative Growth and Backup Support

For many years, the 911 Administrative Office operated out of 152 North Forrest Avenue. In December 2022, we completed construction of a new administrative facility, designed not only to support day-to-day operations but also to serve as a fully functional backup dispatch center.

In the event of an unforeseen emergency or disruption at the primary call center, dispatchers can seamlessly relocate to the new administrative office and continue answering both emergency and non-emergency calls-ensuring uninterrupted service for Benton County residents.

Lean and Focused Leadership

The Benton County ECD remains a lean operation, with the 911 Director serving as the district’s sole employee. This structure allows for focused leadership, streamlined decision-making, and close coordination with local agencies and stakeholders.