Taos County dispatch sees 31K emergency calls in 2024 up from 27K in 2017

The Taos County Board of Commission held a regular meeting on April 1, 2025, where public safety statistics and operational challenges faced by local dispatch services were the primary focus. The meeting featured a presentation on 911 call statistics, highlighting the increasing demand for emergency services in the county.

The statistics revealed a significant rise in calls to the Taos County Central Dispatch, which increased from approximately 27,900 calls in 2017 to about 31,000 in 2024. This upward trend was echoed across various public safety agencies, including the sheriff's office, EMS, and the fire department, indicating a growing need for emergency response services in the area.

The presentation emphasized the importance of understanding these numbers in context. Each call represents not just a statistic but a complex response involving multiple agencies, including dispatchers, medics, and law enforcement. The dispatch center alone handled an average of 2,300 calls for service per month, which does not account for non-emergency inquiries.

Commissioners expressed interest in the geographical data of these calls, recognizing that location-based analysis could provide insights into public safety trends and resource allocation. The dispatch center has the capability to track call locations, which could enhance operational efficiency and response strategies.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by dispatchers, particularly regarding alarm calls. Dispatchers reported handling a high volume of alarm activations, which often require them to contact keyholders. This process can be burdensome, especially when alarms are triggered falsely or when keyholders are unresponsive. Commissioners discussed potential changes to streamline this process, aiming to reduce the workload on dispatchers while ensuring public safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the increasing demand for emergency services in Taos County and the need for strategic planning to address the challenges faced by public safety agencies. The board acknowledged the importance of preparing for future increases in call volume and the necessity of supporting dispatch personnel in their critical roles.