Frequently Asked Questions

Filter by Category All 911 Communications Jail Other Questions

911 Communications

What will I be asked when I call 9-1-1?

Attempt to stay calm when you are talking to 9-1-1 dispatchers. Take a deep breath. Dispatchers will verify your address and phone number. Listen to and answer each question. Do not hang up after dialing 9-1-1 until the dispatchers tell you to do so (even if you did not mean to dial 9-1-1).

When you report an emergency, the dispatcher will ask you at least five basic questions:

Where is this happening?
What is happening?
When did this happen?
Who is involved?
How can we help you?

What information do I need to give a good description when calling 9-1-1?

In many 9-1-1 emergencies, dispatchers will ask you to describe the people and/or vehicles involved in the emergency.

When describing individuals, start at the top of the head and work your way down the individual's body.

Questions dispatchers will ask are:

What is the presumed race and sex of the subject?
What was the presumed height and weight of the subject?
What is the presumed hair color?
What was the subject(s) wearing, (Start from top of head and go down the body)?
Did the subject(s) have a mustache, beard, accent, limp, glasses, or anything unusual that might make the subject(s) stand out? Were weapons seen?

When describing a vehicle the dispatcher will ask for the following information:

Color of the vehicle
Year of the vehicle
Make of the vehicle
Body style (2 door/4 door, etc.)
Additional description (dents, lights out, direction of travel, etc.)
License plate on the vehicle

Can I Call 9-1-1 if I use a T.D.D.?

Yes, your 911 Center is equipped with T.D.D./T.T.Y. equipment. Communications professionals receive extensive training in handling emergency situations utilizing this special equipment.

Can someone call 9-1-1 who does not speak English?

Yes, your 911 Center subscribes to a telephone translation service providing access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency communication services with non-English speaking callers.

Jail

Where can I find a list of current inmates?

Please visit the inmates list for a list of inmates.

How do I send mail to an inmate?

Please address mail as follows:

[Inmate Name>
Pottawattamie County Jail
1400 Big Lake Rd.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

How do I visit/contact an inmate?

Family and friends may visit by setting up an account for visitation, email, and text through the Cidnet Portal Website.

Incoming calls or messages are not accepted for inmates.

What are visitation hours and rules?

Lobby Visitation Times:

Monday-Friday | 8:00 am - 11:40 am
Monday-Thursday | 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Visitation Dress Code

Visit the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's website for dress code information.

Visitation With Minors

The child’s birth certificate must be presented by a parent or legal guardian every time the child visits
No more than two approved visitors can visit at the same time
Children are not to be left unattended
To visit with more than one child, another adult must be present to supervise the child not currently visiting

How do I make arrangements to pay for room and board?

Please contact (712) 890-2257.

County Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

911 Communications

Jail

Other Questions

Sheriff's Office

Upcoming Holiday Closure Schedule