Quick Answer: Onondaga County CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) is the advanced emergency dispatch system used by the Onondaga County 911 Center. It handles all 911 calls for police, fire, and medical services across Onondaga County, including Syracuse. The center uses iCAD software and serves nearly 500,000 residents.
01What is Onondaga County CAD 911 Dispatch?
The Onondaga County Department of Emergency Communications operates the 911 Center at 3911 Central Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13215. The CAD system (currently iCAD) instantly locates callers, logs incidents, and dispatches the closest police, fire, or ambulance units.
Key Fact: It is one of the largest accredited 911 centers in New York State and handles calls for ~100 public safety agencies.
02How Onondaga County 911 Dispatch Works — Step by Step
1
You dial 911
Your call connects to a trained dispatcher at the Onondaga County 911 Center.
2
Dispatcher gathers information
They ask for your location, nature of emergency, and any injuries.
3
CAD system activates
The CAD automatically verifies location and recommends the nearest available units.
4
Responders are dispatched
Police, fire, or EMS are sent with full incident details from the CAD.
03Onondaga County 911 & Non-Emergency Contact Info
| Service | Number | When to Use |
| Emergency (Police/Fire/Medical) | 911 | Life-threatening emergencies only |
| 911 Center Main Line | 315-435-7911 | Questions about dispatch operations |
| Non-Emergency Police | 315-435-3030 (or local PD) | Non-urgent reports |
| County Information | 315-435-4300 | General county services |
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04When to Call 911 vs Non-Emergency Numbers
Call 911 only for true emergencies
Reserve 911 for situations involving immediate danger to life or property. Use non-emergency lines for everything else to keep 911 lines open.
05Common Situations & Which Number to Call
Car Accident with Injuries
Call 911 immediately.
Noise Complaint or Suspicious Person
Use non-emergency police line.
06Your Emergency Preparedness Checklist — Onondaga County
Save 911 and 315-435-7911 in your phone contacts
Know your exact address and nearest cross street
Stay calm and answer dispatcher questions clearly
Teach children when and how to call 911
07Frequently Asked Questions — Onondaga County CAD 911 Dispatch
What is the address of the Onondaga County 911 Center?
3911 Central Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13215. Main phone:
315-435-7911.
What is Onondaga County CAD?
CAD stands for Computer Aided Dispatch. It is the software (iCAD) used to manage 911 calls, locate callers, and dispatch emergency responders quickly.
What is the non-emergency number?
For non-emergency police matters use 315-435-3030 or your local police department. For general questions about the 911 center call 315-435-7911.
Does Onondaga County support Text-to-911?
Yes — Text-to-911 is available in the county. Check the official site for current status.
What happens when I call 911?
A dispatcher answers, the CAD system verifies your location, and the closest appropriate emergency units (police, fire, or EMS) are sent with full details.
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