Non-Emergency Dispatch Line available to contact CNO Lighthorse Police and Security

A public telephone number is now available to reach the Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety dispatch center.

Tribal members on the reservation, visitors to the Choctaw Nation facilities and properties, and Choctaw Nation associates can use the number to contact CNO Dispatch for non-emergencies (those experiencing an emergency such as a crime in progress or a life-or-death situation should call 911 instead of the non-emergency dispatch line.)

The dispatch center is in Durant, and calls are answered there. In response to the calls, Choctaw Lighthorse Police and Security Officers are dispatched from assigned zones.

The easy-to-remember dispatch number (580-920-7000) creates an easily accessible way to contact CNO Dispatch.

According to Lacy Christian, Director of the Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center, calls being received include requests for welfare checks, domestic violence and assault calls and requests for agency assistance. Christian said that in their line of work, one never knows what may happen daily.

In the event of welfare check requests for individuals, Lighthorse Police Officers are sent to check on tribal members on the reservation.
For welfare checks of non-tribal individuals or those off the reservation, dispatch requests the applicable agency that has jurisdiction over the area in which the individual is in question.

For situations at a tribal facility on the reservation, the concerned party can talk to an on-site security officer if one is available or contact the dispatch service. The Dispatch service maintains contact with security officers at each location.

The Choctaw Nation Department of Public Safety dispatch center is for more than just callers from the reservation area. Callers from any location can contact the center with questions or concerns.

Choctaw Nation’s officers want to help prevent crime and keep citizens safe.

“Our officers are absolutely service-oriented and want to help the public we serve,” said Jesse Petty, Senior Director of Choctaw Nation Law Enforcement and Chief of Police.

Before calling the dispatch line, know your location and be prepared to give the operator an address if possible.

Highway names, cross streets, and landmarks are very helpful to officers in finding the location they need to be at.

Response times to calls vary depending on where assistance is needed, as the Choctaw Nation’s reservation covers over 10,000 square miles and has populations in rural areas.

Instances where you should contact the non-emergency include, but are not limited to:

• Reporting a crime that did not just occur, and the suspects are not in the immediate area.
• Reporting a serious crime with suspect(s) but with a lengthy delay (example: a crime that occurred last night).
• Reporting a crime with no suspect (example: public property damage).
• A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an ongoing criminal activity, but you are not sure.
• Non-emergency in progress (example: noise complaint).
• Traffic accidents that do not involve injuries.
• Ongoing crime issues or crimes that are not in progress.
• Requests for information.

Instances where you should contact the emergency line 911 include, but are not limited to:

• Serious medical problems (chest pain, seizure, bleeding, etc.).
• Any fire (business, car, building).
• Any life-threatening situation (fights, a person with weapons, etc.).
• Crimes in progress.

“I am hopeful that whomever you call will see to it that you get the resources and response that is needed,” said Christian. “If you ever have a doubt, just call Lighthorse dispatch, and we can make sure your concern or issue is taken care of in the most efficient manner.”