UPDATE: 911 Service Impacting Verizon Customers Restored
Verizon cell phone customers trying to dial 911 using local call centers have had their service restored.
The issue impacted suburbs that use Hennepin County dispatch, as well as other Twin Cities emergency communication networks.
“Normal service has been restored,” said Jeremy Zoss, spokesperson for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
The Brooklyn Center Police Department advised Verizon customers early Monday of a service issue for people trying to dial 911. Police officials said if customers could not dial 911 through the emergency dispatch line, to then dial the Hennepin County Dispatch non-emergency phone number at (952) 258-5321.
PSA: There is currently a known issue for Verizon subscribers dialing 911. If you use the Verizon phone service and cannot get ahold of dispatch, please use the Hennepin County Dispatch non-emergency phone number 952-258-5321.
— Brooklyn Center Police Department, MN (@bcpolicemn) January 23, 2023
The issue also impacted Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center, which recommended that Verizon customers call (612) 348-2345 in Minneapolis.
Zoss said the issue affecting Verizon Wireless callers occurred from about 2:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Monday. According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the issue impacted Verizon customers for the following emergency communication networks:
- Anoka County Central Communications
- Bloomington Police Department
- Carver County Sheriffs Office
- Eden Prairie Police Department
- Edina Police Department
- Hennepin County Medical Center-EMS
- Hennepin County Sheriffs Emergency Communications Facility
- Minneapolis Emergency Communications
- Minneapolis St Paul Airport Emergency Communications Center
- Isanti County Sheriffs Office
- Scott County Sheriffs Office
- St Louis Park Police Department
- University of Minnesota PSAP
Texting 911 was not impacted in the affected cities for Verizon customers.
CCX News reached out to Verizon which said the root of the problem did not appear to be on the wireless carrier’s end.
“The issue appears to be within their system,” said a Verizon service representative.
Also See: Hennepin County Deploys Smart911 to Aid Emergency Response
