The Warm Springs Police Department has entered into a temporary agreement with Frontier Regional 911 to assist with dispatch services during overnight hours, the department announced this week. The arrangement ensures that 911 calls and emergency dispatch on the Warm Springs Reservation continue without interruption during a period of internal staffing adjustments.

Under the agreement, Frontier Regional 911 handles all emergency dispatch for the Warm Springs PD during overnight shifts. During daytime and evening hours, Warm Springs dispatch operations continue as normal under tribal police management.

Why the Change?

While the department has not released specific details about the staffing situation driving the arrangement, temporary dispatch-sharing agreements are a common tool used by smaller law enforcement agencies across rural Oregon. Frontier Regional 911 serves multiple jurisdictions in the region and has the infrastructure and trained personnel to absorb additional dispatch volume during coverage gaps.

Officials stress that the quality of emergency response for Warm Springs residents should not be affected. Anyone calling 911 from the Reservation during overnight hours will reach a trained dispatcher who can coordinate with Warm Springs police officers, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and other emergency services as needed.

What Residents Should Know

  • Call 911 for all emergencies — nothing changes for callers
  • Overnight dispatch is being handled by Frontier Regional 911
  • Warm Springs Police officers remain on patrol and available for response
  • The arrangement is described as temporary pending resolution of the staffing situation

The Warm Springs Police Department is expected to provide further updates as the situation evolves. Residents with non-emergency questions can contact the department during business hours.

Rural dispatch coverage has been a persistent challenge across Jefferson County and Central Oregon, where geographic isolation and small tax bases can make it difficult for agencies to maintain full staffing around the clock. Jefferson County Fire & EMS has faced similar workforce pressures in recent years as the region continues to grow.