2001
For the first time since the creation of the civilian agency in 1971, the division became uniformed.
2006
A new, Microsoft Windows-based 9-1-1 system replaced the 25-year-old one in use.
2012
A digital, personal-computer phone system was installed to automatically distribute incoming calls to the call-takers.
2014
Emergency Communications, once again, became an independent department within the city of Richmond.
2017
The Department of Emergency Communications began accepting text messages for 911 emergencies in December, but it was not announced until June 2018 to allow time for the surrounding counties to establish the service.
2018
On June 4, text-to-911 services officially begin in Richmond and the surrounding capital region with a news conference announcement. Read more
2019
The Department of Emergency Communications earned its first national Public Safety Communications Accreditation on May 4, 2019, from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). Less than 2 percent of emergency communications centers in the country earn accreditation. Read more.
The Training Center, a new 4,300-square-foot addition to the existing Emergency Communications Center building, officially was opened with a Ribbon-Cutting and Open House on May 30. Read more.
2021
In planning since 2018, the Department of Emergency Communications switched to an Internet-Protocol-based 911 system in October 2021 to prepare for future advancements of Next Generation 911. Read more.
2022
The Department of Emergency Communications made changes in late 2021 and through 2022 to improve the response to those in mental and behavioral health crises. On Sept. 15, co-response teams of police officers and mental health providers began to be dispatched on some of these calls, marking the full implementation of Marcus Alert in Richmond.
On Oct. 10, the Department of Emergency Communications began using a structured protocol system for call-taking. Read more.
On Nov. 14, Richmond City Council approved the mayor's proposal of the new name of the Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response to reflect the department's additional responsibilities and incorporation of the Office of Emergency Management. Read more.
2023
The Department of Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response earned its second national Public Safety Communications Accreditation on July 27, 2023, from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA). Less than 2 percent of emergency communications centers in the country earn accreditation. Read more.