News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Yancey Roy, 518-402-8000

Media Advisory

ALBANY, NY (04/14/2008; 1312)(readMedia)-- This is a reminder to media that reporters, producers and other representatives should NOT call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 24-hour Dispatch Center for information on ongoing emergencies and investigations.

Similar to the 911 system, the dispatch center is not intended to respond to public or media inquiries. In fact, such calls could delay or prevent DEC dispatchers from receiving and handling emergency calls.

This reminder is necessary because of recent instances of reporters and other media representatives calling the dispatch center for information on incidents such as wildland fires, search-and-rescue missions or other investigations.

The DEC Dispatch Center serves as a police dispatch for DEC’s Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers, serving to coordinate safety of the officers and rangers in the field. During non-business hours, dispatchers also assist in coordinating responses for police authorities throughout the state. We continue to encourage the public to call this toll-free number and, if necessary, other appropriate law enforcement authorities immediately if someone witnesses an environmental violation or has an emergency.

In order to ensure their work to protect public safety is not compromised or interrupted, dispatchers will not provide information about any incident or investigation and will direct all reporters to the press office at 518-402-8000.

The DEC press office is always available to assist with media inquiries during non-business hours. On weekends, holidays, and after 5 p.m., media can call 518-402-8000 and either leave a message to be heard the next business day, or receive the contact information for the press officer on duty.