The Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA) is tackling technical difficulties impacting its non-emergency phone service. Residents who have tried to make use of the non-emergency number, 575-526-0795, have been met with frequent disruptions. The MVRDA, which operates the 911 call center, is fully aware of the technical hiccups and is actively working to resolve these issues as swiftly as possible.
While the dispatch authority is troubleshooting to get the non-emergency line back to full operational status, they are reminding residents to temporarily direct all non-emergency calls to their administrative line. This measure is to ensure that non-emergency situations can still be reported and to keep the emergency lines clear for those in dire need. The public has been asked to temporarily use the administrative number to also avoid needless strain on the emergency services. According to Dona Ana County, the exact causes of the technical issues have not been disclosed.
As the MVRDA works to remedy the technical faults, they also underline the importance of distinguishing between emergency and non-emergency calls. An emergency is defined as any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance. Examples of such urgent situations include a fire, a crime in progress, or a medical emergency. A non-emergency issue doesn’t have the same immediacy and does not pose an immediate threat to life, property, or the environment.
Community members have been experiencing disruptions for several days now, and patience is asked for as the MVRDA endeavors to permanently resolve the issues. They have issued a statement assuring the public they are working diligently on solutions, but they have not provided a definitive timeline on when the non-emergency number will be reliably functional again.
