Staff Report

Police Chief Jeff Sharpe spoke to the Middlesboro City Council about the 911 enhancement during the regular meeting on Tuesday. Sharpe said his department is having a few issues with addressing in relation to the 911 maps used in the police stations.

“The 911 map that we use and where people think they live… some of the numbers are out of order,” said Sharpe.

Sharpe said Ben Barnett, who works with 911 addressing in the county, is ready to enter the city and help. Sharpe recommended the council acquire Barnett’s services.

Sharpe said Barnett would begin work early next year. He would go door to door and survey areas that have been identified as problem areas. He would then state which addresses need to be changed.

Sharpe said even a few road signs may have to be changed, but he hopes it doesn’t have to happen. Some addresses were changed when the program first begin.

While speaking about business involving 911 services, councilman Ronnie Carter asked Sharpe where 911 calls are received (Middlesboro or Kentucky State Police Harlan Post 10). Sharpe replied most cell phone 911 calls go to KSP Post 10, where KSP then transfers the call where it needs to go.

Sharpe said there could be a very small delay when a call is being transferred.

“I had to call in an emergency a week ago and it was Harlan who answered. They connected me (to Pineville) and I was talking to Pineville (dispatch) in about 10 seconds,” said councilman Phillip Ball. “There is not a delay.”

All 911 calls made by land-line phones go to their respective police stations (Middlesboro Police Department, Pineville Police Department and Bell County Sheriff’s Department).