SALISBURY, Md.--A new automated phone system for non-emergency calls will soon be implemented by the Salisbury Police Department.
The agency said this will allow officers and dispatchers to more effectively handle incoming calls, and pay more attention to radio calls or emergencies.
Sgt. Scott Elliott said this project has been in the works for a few years now.
"Our main purpose is to want to assist the dispatchers and minimizing those distractions, but also making sure we're still serving the public and they're getting the help that they need when they need it," he said.
The non-emergency number (410)-548-3165 will prompt callers with an automated menu with options to reach a specific division or employee within the department.
Bilingual Police Communications Officer Laura Lira-Fuentes has been working with the Salisbury Police Department for the past year, and she said she often gets frustrated callers who are waiting to be redirected.
"When we're looking at an emergency call, that's our main priority and people sometimes don't understand that, because, obviously their problems are their own priorities," said Lira-Fuentes. "I work with two phones and they're both ringing at the same time and one could be an emergency and the other one is just, 'I need to speak to property or I need to speak to records.'"
It's important to note, this non-emergency line does not replace the existing 911 services. Officials urge those who find themselves in need of emergency assistance to continue dialing 911.
Officials said an emergency involves a crime scene, an accident, or other calls for service.Â
Moreover, to accommodate to those whose first language is not English, the police department uses a third-party system, where callers can leave a non-emergency voicemail in K orean, Creole or Spanish, and officials will respond in that language.
The new system is set to begin Monday.